Welcome to Greece!
About Greece
Greece is a spectacular travel destination with endless options to explore. Whether you’re discovering the rich history of Athens and the mainland or enjoying the unique charm of its islands, Greece offers diverse experiences. Traveling between destinations is easy by car, plane, or ferry, but planning ahead is key to making the most of your time. Known as the “cradle of Western Civilization,” Greece is home to groundbreaking achievements in democracy, science, and the arts, and it remains a cultural crossroads of Europe, Africa, and Asia.
Beyond the islands, the mainland offers hidden gems, from pristine beaches to mountainous regions for skiing. Highlights include the archaeological site of Delphi, the breathtaking monasteries of Meteora, and the charming villages of the Peloponnese. Greece boasts over 6,000 islands, with 227 inhabited, categorized into groups like the Cyclades, Dodecanese, and Sporades. Popular islands such as Santorini and Mykonos draw many visitors, while others like Naxos, Paros, and Rhodes offer quieter yet equally stunning alternatives. The largest island, Crete, has a distinct culture and enough attractions to feel like its own country, making Greece an endlessly captivating destination.
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What to Know Before You Go
The best time to visit Greece is late spring (May) and early fall (Sept-Oct). June and July bring many tourists and cruse ships so there may be crowds and delays to deal with. In August, many restaurants are closed as locals use that time for holiday. In winter, other than the big cities of Greece or islands like Crete where folks live all year round, it may be hard to find open restaurants and shops.
Greek is the birthplace of the civilized world and its language is derived from Ancient Greek (over 3400 years ago). Today modern Greek is the predominant language although many Greeks also speak English, especially in tourist areas. In 57 BC, the political system was introduced as what we know today as democratic system. Greek was ruled by the Romans and then Ottomans but in 1832 gained independence. The Greek Orthodox Church is a strong influence and is the religion of a majority of Greeks. There is strong culture that prevails today. The Presedential Guard is an elite force that protects the president and guards watch at the tomb of the unknown soldier. Every day, at the Acropolis you can see the changing of the guard and on Sunday the lifting of the flag. Their uniform is sewn by hand , and carefully worn as a sign of respect.
It is very easy to rent a car on the mainland of Greece. When traveling to the islands, it is important to research the ferry routes. One important note is that ferries do not go from one group of islands to the other. It is necessary to go back to Athens, for instance. Planes can be taken to some of the islands with an airport, but if you have the time, the ferry experience will allow you to visit many islands for a fraction of the cost of air travel. The best place to go to plan your route by ferry is www.ferryhopper.com. On some islands like Hydra where no cars are allowed Donkeys are used. In other places like Santorini they may bring you up from the port.
The best cost saving trip is to plan, plan, plan. It is easy to get into tourist traps and non authentic experiences without some time up front. It is also important to plan around tour busses and cruise stops as it can get very crowded in summer, especially on an island like Santorini. Ferries are the best way to travel and some islands are 1 hour or less from each other. Find villages that are not as popular, like on Santorini opt for a village like Imerovigli, which is not far from the capital Fira. Those villages will give you a very authentic experience with a smaller price tag. Also keep in mind that ferries run between different island groups as opposed to one from another.
Obviously when visiting Athens, the most well known landmark is the Parthenon. It sits on top of the hill known as the Acropolis. The Parthenon is the ancient ruins of a Temple built in honor of the Goddess Athena. There is a recently built museum nearby which holds many incredible pieces that were found in the Parthenon and nearby. Just about every part of Greece will have some ancient archeological area. Even the islands such as Crete have some findings. Be sure to research more about the place you will visit if you are interested to see ancient history. Other landmarks include the famous island of Santorini which is built on volcanic rock, elevated high above sea level. The views on the western part of the island, especially at sunset are not like any other place in the world. There are countless other areas to visit including Mount Olympus (site of the first Olympics) as well as the ancient ruins of Delphi.
There are many staples in Greek food, including Octopus, Grilled Meat & Fresh Fish. Main dishes include Moussaka (Eggplant, potatoes and a béchamel sauce). Olives, Feta Cheese and Tzatziki (a greek yogurt dip) are a mainstay in the Greek diet. Greek wines are not as well known but especially good as many are grown in volcanic rock which adds to the flavor of wine. Do check out wineries as they are all over Greece (mainland and islands). And of course you can't forget dessert-the most famous in Greece, Baklava. It is a rich dessert of honey, nuts and phyllo dough.
Like other parts of Europe, Greece uses the Euro. Many are aware of the financial difficulties that occurred in 2009 but they are working their way out of this crisis. They value tourism, which is a large part of their economy. As far as tipping, like other countries, it is important to as for the bill at a restaurant, as the server will not bring it until summoned. Tips are not required but expected. It is customary to leave a 15-20% tip for a server. Sometimes a cover charge will be added to a restaurant tab which includes bread, etc. It is good to look over the bill for the charges. A taxi cab driver usually expects somewhere around 10% and don't forget the washroom attendant. There may be a cost there as well
To meet Greece passport requirements, U.S. citizens visiting the country should carry a passport. Anyone staying longer than 90 days must obtain a visa to enter the country. It is a good idea to have a copy of your passport in another piece of luggage. There are different outlets that are needed and it is a good idea to pick up a few from Amazon before traveling.Type C is required. It is also known as the standard "Euro" plug. As far as cell phone coverage, It is a good idea to call your carrier to look for international plans. Some companies like Verizon and AT&T offer a small rate per day used. It is also a good idea to turn off the wifi when landing as that can cause roaming charges. Mobile wifi can be rented. More on that in the tips section of the homepage.
Planning Your Destinations
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Top 10 Islands
There are so many islands to choose from but Touropa shares their top 10. Check out Explore More for additional details and helpful planning information.
Greece Travel Secrets Podcast
Greece Travel Secrets Podcast
Get Inspired - Greek Recipes!
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