Greece for First Timers

Greece › Travel Tips
Updated: June 22, 2026 • By Santorini Dave
Questions? dave@santorinidave.com

See Also

• Athens Travel Guide
• Mykonos Travel Guide
• Naxos Travel Guide
• Paros Travel Guide
• Santorini Travel Guide
• Mainland Greece Travel Guide
• Peloponnese Travel Guide

Book hotels in Santorini and Mykonos months in advance for visits between June and September.

Part 1: Planning Your First Trip to Greece

For a first trip to Greece, keep the plan simple. Most travelers do best with Athens plus two islands, or Athens plus one island and one mainland stop. The biggest mistake is trying to see too much. Every island change costs time: packing, checkout, transfer, waiting, ferry or flight, arrival, another transfer, and another hotel check-in.

For most first-timers, I recommend some version of Athens, Santorini, Naxos or Paros. Add Mykonos if nightlife, beach clubs, shopping, and luxury hotels are a priority. Add Crete if you have at least 12 to 14 days and want a bigger, more varied island with beaches, food, history, villages, and road-trip freedom.

Visa and Entry Requirements

Greece is part of the Schengen Area. For most short-stay tourists from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand, no visa is required for trips of up to 90 days within any rolling 180-day period.

• 90/180 rule: Your 90 days apply across the Schengen Area, not just Greece. Time in France, Italy, Spain, Germany, the Netherlands, and most other Schengen countries counts together with your Greece days.
• Passport validity: Your passport should be valid for at least 3 months after your planned departure from the Schengen Area and should not be more than 10 years old. I prefer 6 months of validity to avoid airline or border-control headaches.
• EES border checks: The EU Entry/Exit System is now part of the border process for many non-EU travelers. It replaces routine passport stamping with digital records and may include a facial image and fingerprints. Allow extra time at your first Schengen entry point, especially if you are landing in Athens and connecting onward.
• ETIAS: ETIAS is not required yet. It is expected to start in late 2026. Once active, many visa-exempt travelers will need to apply before travel and pay the official fee. Do not use third-party ETIAS sites or pay inflated application fees.
• First Schengen entry matters: If you fly from the U.S. to Paris, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Rome, or Madrid before continuing to Athens, you clear Schengen entry at that first European airport, not in Greece. Build your connection buffer there.

My wife and I in Mykonos during an August visit.

Best Time to Visit Greece

My favorite months for Greece are May, early June, September, and early October. You get warm weather, open hotels and restaurants, good ferry schedules, and fewer crowds than July and August.

• April: Best for Athens, the mainland, history, hiking, and lower prices. The islands are quiet, and swimming is still chilly. Greek Easter can be wonderful but affects ferries, hotels, and restaurants.
• May: One of the best months. The landscape is greener, crowds are manageable, and most seasonal hotels are open by mid-month. The sea is still cool but swimmable for many people.
• June: My favorite summer month. Warm, lively, good for swimming, and less intense than July or August. Book ahead for Santorini and Mykonos.
• July and August: Peak season. Expect high prices, heat, meltemi winds, crowded ferries, busy beaches, and sold-out hotels. This is the best period for nightlife and full island energy, but it is not the best value.
• September: Arguably the best all-around month. The sea is warm, crowds thin after the first week, and almost everything is still open.
• October: Good for Athens, Crete, Rhodes, Santorini, and the mainland. Smaller islands start shutting down as the month goes on. Swimming can still be good, especially early October.
• November to March: Best for Athens, Thessaloniki, Nafplio, the Peloponnese, and Crete. Not ideal for classic island-hopping because many hotels, beach clubs, and restaurants close for the season.

How Long Should You Spend in Greece?

• 3 to 5 days: Stay in one place. Athens only, Santorini only, or one island only. Do not island hop.
• 7 days: Athens plus one or two islands. This works, but it is quick.
• 10 days: The best minimum for a first trip: Athens plus two islands.
• 14 days: Ideal for Athens, two or three islands, and maybe a mainland stop such as Nafplio or Delphi.
• 3 weeks: Enough for Athens, the Cyclades, Santorini, and Crete, or a deeper mainland road trip.

Booking Strategy and Timeline

Greece has become much more expensive and more competitive to book, especially in Santorini, Mykonos, Paros, Naxos, Crete, and Athens. Last-minute trips are still possible, but the best hotels, ferry times, tours, and rental cars go early.

• International flights: For summer, start watching fares 6 to 9 months in advance. Book earlier if using miles or flying business class.
• Hotels: For caldera-view hotels in Santorini and good hotels in Mykonos in July or August, book 8 to 10 months ahead. For Naxos, Paros, Milos, Crete, and Athens, 4 to 6 months is fine, but earlier is better for top picks.
• Ferries: For Easter, August, and busy routes like Santorini-Mykonos-Paros-Naxos, book early. For normal summer travel, 3 to 6 weeks ahead is usually enough, but do not leave key travel days to chance.
• Rental cars: Book 3 to 5 months ahead if you need an automatic transmission. Manuals are more common, especially on smaller islands.
• Tours: Book popular Santorini catamaran cruises, Acropolis tours, food tours, and small-group island boat trips well in advance for June to September.
• Restaurants: Reserve ahead for famous caldera-view restaurants, Mykonos beach clubs, and small destination restaurants in high season.

Budgeting for Greece

Prices in Greece have risen, especially for hotels, restaurants, beach clubs, rental cars, and private transfers. Greece can still be good value, but Santorini and Mykonos in July and August are no longer cheap destinations.

• Budget travel (€100 to €175 per person per day): Simple rooms, bakeries, gyros, buses, slower ferries, and fewer paid tours. Easier in Athens, Naxos, Crete, and the mainland than in Santorini or Mykonos.
• Mid-range travel (€200 to €400 per person per day): Good hotels, taverna dinners, high-speed ferries, occasional taxis, and a few tours. This is the sweet spot for many travelers.
• Luxury travel (€500+ per person per day): Caldera-view suites, private pools, beach clubs, fine dining, private transfers, and top hotels. In Santorini and Mykonos, true luxury can run much higher.

Part 2: Health, Safety, and Packing

Health, Pharmacies, and Insurance

• Travel insurance: Strongly recommended. Make sure it covers medical care, ferry or flight delays, trip interruption, and evacuation from islands if needed.
• Pharmacies: Look for the green cross. Greek pharmacists are excellent and can help with many minor issues, including stomach problems, sunburn, insect bites, mild infections, and basic medication questions.
• Medical care: Athens, Thessaloniki, Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, and larger islands have better medical infrastructure than small Cycladic islands. Serious cases on smaller islands may require transfer.
• Tap water: Tap water is safe to drink in Athens and much of the mainland. On many islands, including Santorini and Mykonos, even locals drink bottled water because tap water can be desalinated, mineral-heavy, or unpleasant tasting.
• Heat: July and August can be brutally hot, especially in Athens and at archaeological sites. Plan major sightseeing for early morning or late afternoon.
• Emergency number: Dial 112 for police, ambulance, fire, and emergency alerts.

Safety

Greece is very safe for tourists. Violent crime is uncommon. The real risks are practical: pickpocketing, heat, swimming accidents, road safety, scooters, ATVs, ferry delays, and wildfire alerts.

• Pickpocketing: Be alert on the Athens Metro, especially around Syntagma, Monastiraki, Omonia, Piraeus, and airport routes. Keep phones and wallets out of back pockets.
• Scooters and ATVs: I strongly recommend avoiding ATVs unless you are experienced, licensed, sober, and wearing a helmet. A small car, bus, taxi, or transfer is safer.
• Swimming: Do not swim after drinking, do not dive into unfamiliar water, watch children closely around pools and beaches, and pay attention to wind and currents.
• Wildfires: In summer, pay attention to 112 alerts and local instructions. Do not ignore smoke, road closures, evacuation messages, or high fire-risk warnings.
• Ferry timing: Do not take a ferry to Athens on the same day as an important international flight. Spend the last night in Athens or fly home directly from your final island if possible.

Comprehensive Packing List for Greece

• Documents: Bring your passport, driver’s license, travel insurance details, ferry tickets, hotel confirmations, and any visa or entry documents required for your trip. Save photos of your passport and license on your phone so you can access them offline.
• Walking shoes: Bring sturdy, broken-in shoes. Ancient marble at the Acropolis and Delos can be slippery, and island villages are full of stairs, cobblestones, and uneven paths.
• Beach footwear: Water shoes are useful for rocky beaches, hot sand, boat trips, and volcanic beaches on Santorini.
• Clothing: Pack light, breathable fabrics. Linen and cotton work well. Avoid overpacking because you will carry luggage through ports, stairs, ferries, and hotel entrances.
• Light jacket: Even in summer, ferry decks, windy evenings, and the meltemi can feel cool. Bring a light jacket, hoodie, or sweater.
• Modest clothing: Churches and monasteries may require covered shoulders and knees. A scarf, sarong, or light overshirt is useful.
• Power adapter: Greece uses Type C and Type F outlets with 230V/50Hz electricity. Most phones, tablets, and laptops are dual voltage and only need a plug adapter.
• Hair tools: High-heat items like hair dryers, curling irons, and straighteners can be a problem if they are not designed for 220-240V. Many hotels provide hair dryers.
• Medicine: Bring prescription medications in original containers, plus a few extra days in case of delays. If you are prone to seasickness, bring medication for high-speed ferries.
• Day bag: Bring a secure crossbody bag or small backpack. On ferries, large suitcases are stored in luggage racks near the entrance or car deck, so keep passports, medications, electronics, tickets, and valuables with you.
• Sun protection: A wide-brimmed hat and good sunglasses are almost essential. Greek sun is strong, and island wind can hide how much sun you are getting.
• Sunscreen: Greek pharmacies are excellent places to buy sunscreen, especially European formulas. Look for SPF 30 or higher and the UVA circle on the label. Frezyderm and Korres are easy to find.
• Reusable water bottle: Useful in Athens and on the mainland where tap water is good. On islands where locals drink bottled water, use it for refills from hotel-filtered water if available.

Part 3: Getting Around Greece

Flights

Aegean Airlines/Olympic Air and Sky Express are the main domestic carriers. Flights are useful for Athens to Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, and other larger islands. They are also useful when connecting far-apart island groups.

Flights save time, but remember that airports require early arrival, baggage handling, transfers, and security. For short Cycladic routes, ferries can be more pleasant and more efficient.

Greek Ferries

Greek ferries are excellent and part of the fun of traveling in Greece. Use Ferryhopper to check schedules, compare routes, and book tickets.

• Blue Star and conventional ferries: Slower, larger, more stable, cheaper, and better if you get seasick. Open decks are a huge plus.
• SeaJets and high-speed ferries: Faster and useful for island hopping, but more expensive, more enclosed, and bumpier in windy weather.
• Ferry delays: Wind, weather, port congestion, and strikes can disrupt schedules. Do not plan important same-day flight connections after ferries.
• Seat choice: On longer ferry rides, reserved seats are worth it. On high-speeds, I prefer assigned airplane-style seating over wandering around looking for space.
• Luggage: Large bags are stored near the ferry entrance or car deck. Keep valuables and medications in your day bag.

Renting a Car

A rental car is unnecessary in central Athens and often annoying in Mykonos Town, Santorini’s caldera villages, and dense old towns. It is very useful on Crete, Naxos, Rhodes, Corfu, the Peloponnese, and parts of Paros.

• International Driving Permit: Rules and rental-company practices can differ. U.S. travelers are able to rent with a valid U.S. license, but some agencies still ask for an International Driving Permit. I recommend getting one before your trip if you plan to rent.
• Automatic transmission: Book early. Manuals are more common, and automatics can sell out on smaller islands.
• Parking: Always ask your hotel about parking before renting. In many Greek towns, “nearby parking” can mean a 10-minute walk uphill.
• Roads: Island roads can be narrow, dark, windy, and full of buses, scooters, pedestrians, and rental cars. Drive defensively.
• ATVs and scooters: Think twice. They look fun in photos, but they are a common source of tourist injuries.

Helpful Booking Links

• How I buy ferry tickets: FerryHopper.com
• Pre-booked taxi service: Welcome Pickups

Part 4: Where to Go in Greece

Athens and the Cyclades are the classic first-timer route, but Greece is much more varied than many people expect. The mainland, Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, and the Peloponnese can be just as rewarding as the famous whitewashed islands.

The Mainland: History and Road Trips

• Athens: Spend at least 1 full day, and preferably 2. The Acropolis and Acropolis Museum are essential, but Plaka, Monastiraki, Psiri, the Ancient Agora, rooftop restaurants, and food tours are what make Athens better than many first-timers expect.
• Delphi: One of the best ancient sites in Greece, with a dramatic mountain setting. It can be done as a long day trip from Athens, but it is better overnight if you have time.
• The Peloponnese: Best for a mainland road trip. Visit Mycenae, Epidaurus, Olympia, Monemvasia, Mani, and the charming seaside town of Nafplio.
• Meteora: A spectacular landscape of monasteries built on huge rock pillars. Stay overnight in Kalambaka or Kastraki if you can. The early morning and late afternoon light are much better than the midday tour-bus rush.

The Cyclades: The Iconic Greek Islands

• Santorini: Best for caldera views, romance, wine, sunsets, and boat tours. Spend 3 to 4 days. Hike the path from Fira to Oia, visit Akrotiri, and stay on the caldera if the budget allows.
• Mykonos: Best for beaches, luxury hotels, beach clubs, shopping, and nightlife. A day trip to Delos is excellent. Skip Mykonos if you want quiet value in high season.
• Naxos: The easiest island to recommend to almost anyone. It has fantastic sandy beaches, a fun main town, good food, mountain villages, and a relaxed pace. Spend 3 to 5 days.
• Paros: A great balance of beaches, villages, dining, nightlife, and ferry convenience. Naoussa is beautiful and lively, while Parikia is practical and charming. Spend 3 to 5 days.
• Milos: Best for dramatic coastline, boat tours, Sarakiniko, Kleftiko, and unusual beaches. It is less convenient than Paros or Naxos but very rewarding. Spend at least 3 days.

Beyond the Cyclades

• Crete: Greece’s largest island and a destination on its own. For a first visit, focus on West Crete and stay in Chania. Add Heraklio and Knossos if history is a priority. Spend at least 5 days, and a week is better.
• Corfu: Green, elegant, and completely different from the Cyclades. Corfu Old Town is beautiful, and the island works well for travelers who want scenery, beaches, history, and a softer Ionian feel.
• Rhodes: Best for medieval history, beaches, family resorts, and easier logistics. The Old Town is one of the best preserved medieval towns in Europe.

Part 5: Culture, Food, and Shopping

Greek Culture and Everyday Rhythm

• Philoxenia: Greek hospitality is real. You may be offered a small dessert, fruit, raki, masticha, or something on the house after a meal. A warm efharisto is the right response.
• Siga siga: It means “slowly, slowly,” and it explains a lot about Greece. Meals are not rushed. Coffee can last two hours. Ferry days move at their own pace. This is part of the pleasure, not a failure of efficiency.
• Ask for the bill: In Greece, waiters do not bring the bill until you ask. Say to logariasmo, parakalo. It is not bad service; it is considered rude to rush you out.
• Coffee culture: Freddo espresso and freddo cappuccino are the modern Greek coffee staples. Ordering one coffee and sitting for a long time is normal.

Etiquette and Social Norms

• Tipping: Tipping is appreciated but not expected at U.S. levels. In restaurants, rounding up or leaving 5% to 10% is generous. For taxis, round up. For guides and drivers, tip more if the service is excellent.
• Churches and monasteries: Dress modestly. Shoulders and knees may need to be covered. A scarf, sarong, or light layer solves most issues.
• Greetings: A simple yassas, kalimera, or efharisto goes a long way. Greeks do not expect perfect pronunciation; they appreciate the effort.
• Noise and meals: Greek meals can be lively, late, and social. Dinner at 6:00 PM is early. Dinner at 9:00 PM is normal in summer.

Food and Drink

• Tavernas: Order several dishes to share rather than one main course per person. Greek salad, fava, tzatziki, fried zucchini, grilled octopus, tomato balls, local cheese, and house specialties make a better meal than everyone ordering separately.
• Gyros and souvlaki: Cheap, filling, and better than mediocre tourist restaurants. A good gyros stop can save both money and time.
• Seafood: Fresh fish is priced by weight and can be expensive. Ask the price before ordering whole fish.
• House wine: The carafe wine is good value, especially outside the most touristy restaurants.
• Water: Bottled water is inexpensive and widely available. On some islands, it is what locals drink.

Shopping: What to Bring Home

• Olive oil: Look for Cretan, Kalamata, or small-producer extra virgin olive oil. Pack carefully if checking luggage.
• Honey and herbs: Thyme honey, oregano, mountain tea, and saffron make good gifts and are easy to pack.
• Leather sandals: Athens and many islands have handmade sandal shops. Monastiraki is a good place to look.
• Ceramics: Sifnos is especially known for pottery, but you will find good ceramics throughout Greece.
• Kombolói: Worry beads are small, useful, and genuinely Greek. Much better than most souvenir-shop clutter.

Part 6: Thematic Itineraries

Read about the best Greece itineraries and an example 15-day Greek island itinerary.

Island Introduction: 7 Days

Mykonos 2 nights, Naxos 2 nights, Santorini 3 nights. This is fast but workable if you use open-jaw flights: into Mykonos and out of Santorini. Better for travelers who want a quick taste than for anyone who hates packing.

Classic First Trip: 10 to 12 Days

Athens 2 nights, Naxos or Paros 4 nights, Santorini 4 nights. This is the first-timer itinerary I recommend most often. It gives you history, beaches, villages, and the Santorini caldera without overcomplicating the route.

Glamour and Nightlife: 10 to 12 Days

Athens 2 nights, Mykonos 3 nights, Paros or Naxos 3 nights, Santorini 3 or 4 nights. Choose this route if Mykonos is part of the dream. It is more expensive and busier than the Naxos/Paros version, but it works well for couples, friends, and honeymooners who want nightlife and beach clubs.

History Buff: 14 to 16 Days

Athens 3 nights, Nafplio 4 nights, Delphi 1 or 2 nights, Meteora 2 nights, Rhodes 4 nights. This is a deeper trip with less beach time and more ancient sites, castles, monasteries, and museums.

Relaxed Beach Lover: 14 to 16 Days

Naxos 5 nights, Paros 5 nights, Santorini 3 nights, Athens 1 or 2 nights. Naxos and Paros have better swimming beaches than Santorini, so spend the bulk of your beach time there and finish with caldera views.

Off the Beaten Track: 15 Days

Athens 1 night, Tinos 3 nights, Syros 3 nights, Sifnos 4 nights, Folegandros 4 nights. This route escapes the biggest crowds. Tinos is artistic and food-focused, Syros is elegant and year-round, Sifnos is great for food and villages, and Folegandros is quiet, dramatic, and romantic.

Mainland Discovery: 15 Days

Athens 3 nights, Nafplio 4 nights, Olympia 2 nights, Delphi 2 nights, Meteora 2 nights, Athens 1 or 2 nights. A road trip through the heart of Greece, from the Acropolis and Mycenae to the first Olympics and the monasteries of Meteora.

The Whole Souvlaki: 6 Weeks

Athens 3 nights, mainland road trip 10 nights, Ionian islands 5 nights, Crete 10 nights, Cyclades 14 nights. The ultimate Greece trip. Fly between regions when it saves time, especially between the Ionian islands, Crete, and the Cyclades.

Part 7: Money, Tipping, and Tax-Free Shopping

Currency and Cash

The currency in Greece is the euro. Credit cards are widely accepted, even for many small purchases, but cash is still useful.

• Tips: Cash is better for restaurant staff, hotel staff, guides, and drivers.
• Small purchases: Bakeries, kiosks, buses, beach vendors, and small tavernas may prefer cash.
• Remote areas: In villages, beach areas, and during internet outages, cash is still king.
• ATMs: Use bank-owned ATMs such as Piraeus, Alpha Bank, Eurobank, or National Bank. Avoid standalone tourist ATMs with bad fees and poor exchange rates.

Always Choose Euros

When paying by card or withdrawing cash, the machine may ask if you want to pay in your home currency or in euros.

Always choose euros.

If you choose dollars, pounds, Canadian dollars, or Australian dollars, the merchant’s bank or ATM operator will apply a lousy exchange rate through Dynamic Currency Conversion. Choosing euros lets your home bank or credit card do the conversion, which is almost always cheaper.

Tipping in Greece

Tipping is appreciated, especially in tourist areas, but it is not mandatory at U.S. levels.

• Restaurants: Round up or leave 5% to 10% for good service. Leave cash if possible.
• Taxis: Round up to the nearest euro. Add a little more for airport or port rides with luggage help.
• Hotel porters: €1 to €2 per bag is appreciated.
• Housekeeping: €1 to €2 per day is thoughtful, especially at smaller hotels.
• Guides and drivers: Tip for good private tours, transfers, and day trips. The amount depends on length and service.

Tax-Free Shopping and VAT Refunds

If you live outside the EU, including the U.S., U.K., Canada, and Australia, you may be eligible for a VAT refund on qualifying purchases in Greece.

• Minimum purchase: Greece generally has a low minimum purchase threshold compared with many European countries, but confirm the current amount at the shop.
• Ask at purchase: Look for the Tax-Free sign and ask for the tax-free form at the register. You may need your passport or a passport photo.
• Refund amount: You do not get the full VAT back. Processing fees reduce the refund.
• Airport process: Validate your forms at Customs when leaving the EU. Keep the goods accessible because customs staff may ask to see them.
• Final EU departure: If you leave Greece for another EU country and fly home from there, you validate the refund forms at your final EU departure airport, not in Greece.

Part 8: For the Return Visitor

Once you have seen the Acropolis and the Santorini sunset, a deeper Greece opens up. This is where the country gets even better.

The Athenian Riviera

The coast south of Athens, especially Glyfada, Vouliagmeni, Varkiza, and Sounio, has become much more interesting. New hotels, better restaurants, beach clubs, and the long-term Ellinikon redevelopment have made the Riviera a real destination, not just a place Athenians go on weekends.

It is not a replacement for the islands, but it is excellent for a relaxing final two or three nights before flying home.

The “Real” Cyclades

• Tinos: Close to Mykonos but a world apart. Known for villages, marble crafts, food, pilgrimage sites, and a more authentic Cycladic feel.
• Folegandros: Quiet, dramatic, and romantic, with a stunning Chora perched above the sea. It has no cruise-ship feel and much less chaos than Santorini.
• Syros: The capital of the Cyclades, with neoclassical architecture, year-round life, good restaurants, and a very different feel from the beach-first islands.

The Green Islands

• The Sporades: Skopelos and Skiathos have pine forests, clear water, and a softer green landscape that feels completely different from the Cyclades.
• Paxos and Antipaxos: Small Ionian islands with turquoise water, low-key sophistication, and easy access from Corfu.

Northern Greece

• Thessaloniki: Greece’s best food city, with Byzantine history, sea views, student energy, and a more local urban feel than Athens. It combines well with Halkidiki, Meteora, or northern mainland Greece.

Part 9: Greek Language Essentials

Greeks appreciate it when visitors try a few words. You do not need to be good. You just need to make the effort.

The Magic Words

• Yassas (YAH-sahs): Hello or goodbye. Use this with shopkeepers, waiters, and people you do not know well.
• Efharisto (eff-hah-ree-STO): Thank you. Use it constantly.
• Parakalo (pah-rah-kah-LO): Please or you’re welcome.
• Kalimera (kah-lee-MEHR-ah): Good morning.
• Kalispera (kah-lee-SPEH-rah): Good evening.
• Signomi (see-GHNO-mee): Excuse me or I’m sorry.

The Yes/No Trap

• Ne (neh): Yes. It sounds like “no” to many English speakers.
• Oxi (OH-hee): No. It can sound a little like “okay,” which confuses people.

Useful Phrases

• To logariasmo, parakalo (toh loh-gah-ree-ahz-MO, pah-rah-kah-LO): The bill, please.
• Nero, parakalo (neh-RO, pah-rah-kah-LO): Water, please.
• Ena freddo espresso (EH-nah FREH-doh eh-SPREH-soh): One iced espresso.
• Nostimo (NO-stee-mo): Delicious.
• Pou ine i toualeta? (poo EE-neh ee too-ah-LEH-tah): Where is the bathroom?