Greece Trip Planning: The Master FAQ

Most travelers from the EU, US, Canada, and Australia don’t need a visa for stays up to 90 days, but your passport must be valid for at least 6 months.
Starting in late 2026, American travelers will need to apply online for an ETIAS (Electronic Travel Authorization) to enter Greece and the rest of the Schengen Area without a visa.

Yes. As of April 10, 2026, the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) is fully active. You will need to provide fingerprints and a photo at the border.

It’s highly recommended. While the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) provides some coverage for EU citizens, it’s not a substitute for travel insurance.

Greece has that classic Mediterranean weather — hot, sunny summers and mild winters. July and August are peak beach months, but also the priciest and most crowded.
If you want great weather without the chaos, April–June and September–October are the sweet spots.

Greece operates on Eastern European Time (EET), which is UTC +2 hours. During Daylight Saving Time (late March to late October), clocks move one hour forward, making it UTC +3.

The Euro (€). Cash is still common, but cards are widely accepted everywhere in Greece.

Greek is the official language, but English is spoken in tourist areas and major cities. Learning a few basic Greek phrases is appreciated.

Budget travelers can manage €50-70 per day, while luxury travelers might spend significantly more. Here is an example budget of a 4-day trip to Ancient Olympia.

For peak season (June to August), it’s best to book accommodations 3-6 months in advance, especially for popular islands like Santorini and Mykonos.
For off-season travel, booking 1-2 months in advance should be enough, with more options available to budget travelers.

This replaced the old hotel tax. It costs between €1.50 and €10 per night, depending on your hotel’s stars. This is often paid in cash at check-in, not online.

High Season (April – October)
1–2 Stars: €2.00 per night
3 Stars: €5.00 per night
4 Stars: €10.00 per night
5 Stars / Large Villas: €15.00 per night
Low Season (November – March)
1–2 Stars €0.50 per night
3 Stars: €1.50 per night
4 Stars: €3.00 per night
5 Stars: €4.00 per night
Apartments: 2€ per night in low season and 8€ per night in high season

It’s per room, not per person. So a family in one room pays the same as a solo traveler.
Payment: Most hotels expect this to be paid in cash or card at check-in/out, as it usually isn’t included in your online booking price (like Expedia or Booking.com).
Receipts: Always ask for the special “Climate Resilience” receipt—it’s your proof that the tax is going to the right place!

Avoid generic “Euronet” ATMs found in tourist spots. Use bank-branded ATMs like Alpha Bank, Piraeus, Ethniki or Eurobank. Always select “Decline Conversion” to let your home bank handle the exchange rate, saving you up to 10–15% in fees.

In 2026, travelers will almost exclusively use eSIMs (like Airalo or Holafly) to avoid high roaming fees.

Greece is generally very safe for tourists, with low crime rates, especially in popular tourist areas. Common safety issues are minor, like pickpocketing in busy spots.
Read here more about safety in Athens.

112 for all emergencies (fire, police, medical).

Look for a green cross symbol on a white background.

Yes, for many common meds (except antibiotics or psychiatric medications).

Generally safe in most areas (especially Athens), but bottled water is readily available.

 Public hospitals offer free or subsidized care, but wait times can be long. Private hospitals offer faster service but at a higher cost.

Heatstroke, sunburn, dehydration, insect bites, and minor injuries are common.

It all depends on how much available time you have. In 10 days, you can explore and relax by visiting Athens, Santorini, and Paros, or Athens, Santorini, and Crete.
You can always check out this dedicated post about the first time in Greece.

Athens offers history and city life, Santorini and Mykonos are beautiful, cosmopolitan and crowded, while islands like Naxos, Milos, or Samos offer a more relaxed atmosphere.
The Greek mainland also offers beautiful beaches, archaeological sites, and Greek tradition.

Naxos, Crete, and Rhodes are great family-friendly islands. They offer calm beaches, a variety of activities, and family-friendly accommodations. Naxos is quieter, with shallow waters, while Crete and Rhodes offer history, nature, and waterparks for kids.

Santorini is a top pick for couples, known for its stunning sunsets, luxurious hotels, and romantic views.
Milos and Paros are also ideal, offering beautiful beaches, charming villages, perfect for a relaxed, romantic getaway.

Reservations go live in late March. Early booking is advised to ensure availability for the 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM sessions.

The Acropolis in Athens, the Ancient Agora, the ruins of Delphi, and the Palace of Knossos in Crete are must-sees. Other important sites include Ancient Corinth, Epidaurus, Mycenae, Ancient Olympia, Mystras, Apollo Epicurious, Meteora’s monasteries, and the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion.

Vergina (Aigai), Dion, Pella, Philippi, Thessaloniki, and Dodona.

Yes! Try Mt. Olympus, Samaria Gorge, and the Menalon Trail.

Navagio (Zakynthos), Elafonissi (Crete), and Sarakiniko (Milos).

Consider choosing islands such as Folegandros, Syros, Andros, Tinos, Anafi and Amorgos.

Yes, there is a cap of 20,000 visitors per day. Mention that booking a time slot is now strictly enforced.

Metro (Line M3, €9, ~40 mins), Buses (€5.50), Taxis (€35–€40), Rent a Car, or Private Transfer.

Greece has a good transportation network with ferries connecting islands, buses for mainland travel, and flights between major cities. Taxis are available, while car rentals offer flexibility.

You do not need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if you come from the USA, Canada, Australia, the UK, or Gibraltar. You can rent a car with your national driving permit as long as you are over 18 years old, your permit is in Latin characters, and you have had your license for at least 1 year.
(Greek Law No. 4850/2021 – November 5, 2021).
However, I have heard from Greek friends that sometimes the police and some rental cars do require the IDP if you have any need to interact with them (ticket, accident, parking violation).
So, if it is not too expensive, I suggest you pick up one to avoid headaches and arguments!

Yes, if you’d like to visit the beaches, the Temple of Poseidon in Sounion, or go on a day trip, a rental car is recommended. Otherwise, public transport is affordable and reliable.

The best way to travel between the Greek islands is by ferry or domestic flight. Ferries are frequent, especially in summer, and offer scenic views. For quicker travel, flights connect major islands like Crete, Santorini, and Rhodes to Athens and each other.

You can take a ferry or a flight to travel from Athens to Santorini. Flights are faster, taking about 45 minutes, while ferries, ranging from high-speed to regular, take between 5 and 8 hours. Both options offer beautiful views of the Aegean.

In summer, yes. Ferries are frequent and usually on time. In winter, some routes reduce or pause. Also, ferries can be delayed or canceled due to strong winds in the Aegean (Meltemi) or a (rare) strike.

Here are my suggestions for the best hotels near the Athens Airport.

Light, breathable clothing for warm weather, comfortable shoes for exploring, swimsuits, sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses. Research specific needs for your chosen activities. Check out a complete post for a 10-day packing list for Greece.

Opt for lightweight, breathable materials like cotton, linen, and silk. These fabrics will keep you cool and comfortable in the warm weather.

Moussaka, souvlaki, gyros, pastitsio, dolmades, fresh seafood, Greek salad, olives, feta cheese, and yogurt with honey. Don’t forget to try local wines and ouzo!

Tipping around 5-10% in restaurants and cafes is appreciated, but it’s not obligatory.

Greece is generally casual, especially in tourist areas. However, respect cultural norms when visiting religious sites such as Metora Monasteries, where covered shoulders and knees are often required.

Don’t flush it. Put it in the bin.

While shops in cities close, tavernas on islands almost never do during tourist season.