Greece travel guide for first-time visitors

For a first trip to Greece, plan 7–14 nights: two or three in Athens for the Acropolis, then one or two islands such as Santorini, Naxos or Crete. Check entry rules for your passport on official sources, travel between May and October for the islands, and book ferries and summer hotels well ahead.

For timing, see our best time to visit Greece; for budgets, read what a trip to Greece costs. Our Greece destination page lists every place we cover.

Who Greece suits

Greece suits travellers who want history and beaches in one trip: couples and honeymooners on Santorini, families on Crete or Rhodes, and culture lovers on the mainland at Delphi and Meteora. Those who want quiet should avoid the busiest islands in July and August.

Entry and visa overview

Entry rules depend on your nationality. Greece is in the Schengen area, where visa-exempt visitors can usually stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period; others need a Schengen visa from a Greek consulate. UK government advice says border officers may ask for an onward ticket and proof of funds.

• ETIAS: as of November 2026 the official EU ETIAS site states the system is not yet in operation and is not accepting applications. The EU will announce the start several months beforehand; the fee will be EUR 20. Avoid unofficial sites.
• EES: since 10 April 2026 non-EU short-stay visitors are registered with fingerprints and a photo at the external border, replacing passport stamps. It is free but can add time at airports.
• Passport validity: for Schengen countries, UK advice requires a passport issued within the last 10 years and valid for at least 3 months after you leave — check the rule for your own passport.

Airports, money and essentials

Getting around

The Greek National Tourism Organisation highlights an extensive domestic air network, frequent ferries and catamarans between the mainland and islands, intercity buses and trains on the mainland. Ferries from Athens's ports reach the Cyclades and Crete; high-speed boats are faster but more affected by wind. A hire car is useful on Crete and the mainland. Allow buffer time between a ferry and an international flight.

Suggested routes by trip length

Our Athens & Santorini Escape follows the classic short route, and Classic Greece: Athens, Meteora & Crete adds the mainland monasteries.

Where to stay

In Athens, a hotel near Plaka, Makrygianni or Syntagma keeps the Acropolis and its museum within walking distance. On Santorini, Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigli and Oia sit on the caldera edge for views, while beach villages on the east coast are often better value. On Crete, Chania suits the west and Heraklion is the base for Knossos; the island is large, so two bases work well for a week or more. In Rhodes and Corfu, staying in or near the walled old towns gives you evening atmosphere without a car.

Etiquette and culture

• Dress modestly in churches and monasteries, including at Meteora: cover shoulders and knees.
• Greek hospitality is generous; a few words such as kalimera (good morning) and efcharistó (thank you) are appreciated.
• Meals are social and unhurried, and dinner tends to start later than in northern Europe.
• UK advice warns that police take rowdy or indecent behaviour seriously, and some costumes can breach decency laws.
• Do not take stones or fragments from archaeological sites.

Health and safety

Greece can experience earthquakes, wildfires, extreme heat and flash floods. UK advice recommends enabling emergency alerts on your phone and not lighting fires outdoors. Use licensed water-sports operators, follow beach flags, and keep hydrated in summer. Read the UK Foreign Office advice for Greece or your government's equivalent, and take travel insurance that covers medical care.

Practical tips

• Visit the Acropolis at opening time (08:00) in summer to avoid the heat and crowds.
• Book ferries early for July and August, especially to Santorini and Mykonos.
• Carry some cash on smaller islands and in villages.
• On Crete, Elafonisi Beach and the Samaria Gorge need a full day each.
• The Greek National Tourism Organisation notes the Tourist Police can help visitors on 1571 at any hour.

A day trip from Athens to Cape Sounion's Temple of Poseidon is an easy add-on for sunset.

Frequently asked questions

Want a route shaped around your interests? Use the Greece planner and a specialist will tailor islands, ferries and hotels.

Sources

1. European Union — ETIAS official website
2. European Commission, Migration and Home Affairs — European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS)
3. European Commission, Migration and Home Affairs — Entry/Exit System (EES)
4. GOV.UK — Foreign travel advice: Greece
5. Greek National Tourism Organisation — Travel tips
6. Greek National Tourism Organisation — Transportation
7. Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports — Acropolis of Athens: information