Greece travel FAQ: 25 common questions answered

US, UK, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand and Irish passport holders can stay visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period across Schengen. Other nationalities should check with a Greek consulate. Your passport should be valid at least three months beyond departure.

April–June and September–October give warm sea, open sites and lower prices. July and August are hottest and busiest, with peak ferry and hotel demand. Winter is quiet, with reduced island services but lively Athens and Thessaloniki.

A 2026 estimate: budget travellers spend about €50–80 per person per day, mid-range about €90–150, and comfort travel €200 or more, excluding international flights. Cards are widely accepted; carry some cash for small tavernas and buses.

Yes, generally. Watch for pickpockets in crowded Athens areas and on ferries, drive carefully on narrow island roads, and take summer heat and wildfire warnings seriously. Emergency numbers: 112 general, 100 police, 166 ambulance, 1571 tourist police.

A first trip works well with 2–3 nights in Athens plus one or two islands for 3–4 nights each. Trying five islands in ten days means most of your time goes to ports and ferries rather than the places themselves.

In July and August, yes, especially for Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos and Crete. Book high-speed and overnight routes ahead, and leave a buffer day before an international flight because meltemi winds can cancel sailings.

In Athens and most mainland cities, yes. On many islands locals drink bottled water because of taste or old pipes. Ask at your accommodation; bottled water is cheap and widely available.

Light clothing, a hat, sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes for ruins and cobblestones, a swimsuit, and a light jacket for spring or autumn evenings. Bring a Type C or F adapter for US, UK and Australian plugs; voltage is 230 V.

It is cheaper than many Western European destinations outside peak season. Accommodation and ferries drive the budget in July and August; food, buses and archaeological sites stay reasonable. Shoulder-season travel cuts costs noticeably.

It is strongly recommended. It covers ferry cancellations, scooter accidents, medical care and evacuation from small islands. Check that your policy includes the activities you plan, such as hiking, sailing or riding a scooter.

Ferries leave from Piraeus and Rafina to the Cyclades, Dodecanese and Crete. High-speed catamarans are faster but pricier and more wind-sensitive. Domestic flights from Athens serve Crete, Rhodes, Santorini, Mykonos and Thessaloniki.

Not required. Round up the bill or leave 5–10% for good service. In taxis, rounding up is normal. Tipping is more common in tourist areas than in village tavernas.

In cities and larger islands, yes. Small tavernas, village shops, buses and some ferry offices still prefer cash, so carry €50–100 in small notes. Use bank ATMs and decline dynamic currency conversion.

Yes. Shallow beaches, early dinner hours, short ferry hops and plenty of outdoor space suit children. Avoid midday heat in July and August, and choose islands with calm west-facing beaches such as Naxos or Crete.

Greek, written in the Greek alphabet. English is widely spoken in tourism and by younger people, especially in Athens, Thessaloniki and the main islands. Learning a few words helps in villages.

In Athens, no: the metro and buses are good. On islands such as Crete, Naxos or Rhodes, a car or scooter opens up beaches and villages. Book ahead in summer and check whether your licence and insurance cover scooters.

112 for general emergencies, 100 police, 166 ambulance, 199 fire, 1571 tourist police and 108 coast guard. The 112 line has English-speaking operators.

Most routes run from April to October, with the fullest schedules in July and August. In winter, services drop sharply and some smaller islands have only a few sailings a week. Check timetables before booking winter trips.

Yes. Two to three nights covers the Acropolis and its museum, the Agora, Plaka and a food scene that rewards a second day. Many travellers rush Athens and regret it.

Naxos is often the easiest first island: beaches, mountain villages, good food and reliable ferries. Santorini and Mykonos are spectacular but crowded and expensive in peak season. Crete suits a longer, slower trip.

Greece is seismically active, but most tremors are minor and building codes are strict. Know your hotel's exit route, and follow official instructions if a quake occurs. Tsunami warnings are rare but possible after large coastal quakes.

Yes, but dress modestly: shoulders and knees covered, and women often wear a skirt provided at the entrance. Opening days vary by monastery, so check locally and avoid the busiest midday hours in summer.

Athens, Thessaloniki and the main tourist islands are generally welcoming, with a visible scene in Athens. Rural areas are more conservative. Same-sex marriage is legal in Greece. Public displays of affection are usually fine in cities and resorts.

The legal drinking age is 18, though enforcement is light. Alcohol is served in tavernas, bars and beach clubs; drink-driving rules are strict and penalties are heavy.

Choose your season, pick Athens plus one or two bases, book ferries and rooms early for July and August, and leave buffer days around flights. A checklist and cost pages help you set a realistic budget before you book.