Greece is one of our most popular destinations, with 27,662 Thomas Cook holidaymakers exploring its islands and coastline over the past year. From whitewashed hillside villages to clear blue waters and centuries of history, it offers something for beach-lovers and culture seekers alike. A 7-night stay is the most popular option, with shorter 5 and 4-night breaks often booked, too.
September is the top month to travel, with August and June close behind – Greece is a great choice for both peak summer heat and slightly cooler weather. Flights from London Gatwick, Manchester and London Stansted are in demand, and there’s also a fantastic choice of other easy departure points from most of the UK.
The hotels our guests frequently choose include Filerimos Village - All Inclusive, Canvas by Mitsis Messonghi, and Lindos Royal Resort - All Inclusive. Holidays typically start from around £1,006pp, dropping to roughly £628pp over winter, or from about £1,043pp during peak summer. All package bookings are ATOL-protected, with a low deposit to secure your trip.
Holidays in Greece: what’s included in a Thomas Cook package?
Greece holidays at a glance:
- Best for: Families, couples, All Inclusive breaks, and island hopping adventures.
- Flight time: Around 3-5 hours from the UK.
- Best months: May-June and September-October bring warmth and fewer crowds. July-August is hottest and liveliest.
- Top places: Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, Kos, Zakynthos (Zante), Santorini and Athens.
Types of Greece holidays
Beach holidays
Greece has a beach for everyone. You’ll find sandy bays, sheltered coves, and cliff-backed coastlines.
Best for: Families, couples, and anyone who wants relaxed beach days with beautiful scenery.
Top areas:
- Crete: long, family-friendly beaches and plenty of variety
- Zakynthos (Zante): sheltered bays and clear water
- Rhodes: wide beaches backed by history
Explore: Crete | Zante | Rhodes
Island holidays
How do you choose your island when there are thousands? Some feel quiet and scenic. Others are lively and social.
Best for: Couples, families, and travellers who want beach time with the option to explore.
Top areas:
- Santorini: iconic sunsets, blue-domed rooftops, dramatic scenery
- Corfu: green landscapes, beaches, and laid-back charm
- Kos: compact, easy to explore, ideal for shorter stays
- Kefalonia: calm beaches, turquoise water, and a quieter island feel
Explore: Santorini | Corfu | Kos | Kefalonia
All Inclusive & package holidays
Book an all inclusive holiday to Greece and everything is taken care of in advance: flights, hotel and meals, leaving you free to relax once you arrive. Thomas Cook all inclusive packages are ATOL & ABTA protected, with prices from £139pp.
Best for: Families, first-time visitors, and anyone who wants clear costs and easy planning.
Top areas:
- Skiathos: small island, golden beaches, and easy logistics
- Thassos: quiet beaches, natural scenery, and family-friendly resorts
- Lefkada: stunning beaches, turquoise waters, and easy island access
Explore: Skiathos | Thassos | Lefkada
Mainland & culture breaks
Beyond the islands, mainland Greece holidays offer some of the most rewarding experiences in the Mediterranean. Athens is the obvious draw, ancient landmarks like the Acropolis and Parthenon sit alongside thriving neighbourhoods, rooftop bars and excellent tavernas. It’s a destination that suits couples, solo travellers and culture lovers alike.
For beach holidays on the mainland, Halkidiki is one of Greece’s best-kept secrets, three peninsulas of pine-backed coastline, clear water and far fewer crowds than the Greek islands. Flights from the UK to Thessaloniki make it easy to reach. Holidays to mainland Greece are typically best from May through September.
Best for: Couples, culture lovers, and travellers who want history alongside food and city life.
Top areas:
- Athens: ancient landmarks, museums, and buzzing neighbourhoods
- Halkidiki: beaches with easy access from the mainland
Cheap & shoulder-season holidays
Cheap holidays to Greece are best in May, June, September, and October.
- Weather in Greece in May and June: warm and comfortable, ideal for sightseeing
- Weather in Greece in September and October: still sunny, often warm enough to swim
Bigger islands, such as Crete and Rhodes, usually offer better value because there’s a wider selection of hotels and flights.
When to book your holiday to Greece in 2026
The Greek season runs from late April through to October, with peak demand in July and August. If you’re flexible, cheap holidays to Greece are easiest to find in May, June, September and early October, shoulder months that still offer warm weather, lower prices and shorter queues at the major sights.
July and August are the hottest months, ideal for beach holidays in Rhodes, Crete and Zante. If you’re visiting Athens or exploring the mainland, late spring and early autumn are more comfortable for sightseeing. Last minute holidays to Greece in September can offer particularly strong value as hotels look to fill late availability.
For 2026 and 2027 holidays to Greece, availability in peak months is limited: it’s worth booking early to secure the best rooms and prices.
5 reasons to choose Greece for your next holiday
1. A choice of islands to suit any mood
With so many islands on offer, how do you decide where to go? Some islands are quiet and scenic. Others are lively and social.
Tip: Crete is great if you want one base with lots of variety.
2. Beaches for every taste
From sandy family beaches to hidden coves and cliff-backed coastlines, Greece has a beach for everyone.
Want ideas? Check out our guide to Greece’s top 5 beaches.
Tip: For long, family‑friendly beaches, head to Kefalonia.
3. Long, sunny season
Greece stays warm later than many Mediterranean destinations. Which means more choice outside peak summer.
Tip: Rhodes often stays warm into October. Our team soaked up plenty of sunshine and even had a swim at Kallithea Springs.
4. Short flights and easy access
Most Greek destinations are 3-5 hours from the UK, with direct flights to many islands - ideal for families or shorter breaks.
Tip: Kos is compact, easy to reach, and ideal for shorter stays.
5. Options for every budget
Not every holiday has to cost a fortune. Greece suits every pocket, from simple, family‑run hotels to luxury villas.
Tip: Larger islands like Crete and Rhodes often offer better value thanks to the sheer choice of accommodation and flights.
Not sure which island suits you? Compare them in our Greek Islands guide.
Not sure whether Greece or Turkey is the better fit? Compare them in our Greece vs Turkey guide, or see how it stacks up against Spain in our Greece vs Spain comparison.
Where to go in Greece?
With its diverse landscapes and endless possibilities, choosing where to go in Greece can be a delightful dilemma. From the mythical mainland to the idyllic Greek islands, each destination offers its own unique charm.
Best Destinations for Couples:
While Santorini is synonymous with romance, Greece's islands are replete with enchanting sights waiting to be explored. From the pink sands of Crete to the romantic Canal D'Amour in Corfu, love is always in the air in Greece. Treat yourselves to a luxurious stay at the Stella Island Luxury Resort & Spa for an unforgettable romantic escape.
Best Destinations for Families:
For families seeking fun and adventure, Hersonissos, Corfu, and Crete are top choices. Dive into the excitement at the 5-star Corfu Holiday Palace, featuring child-friendly waterparks, or make a splash at the Mitsis Blue Domes with its impressive array of pools. Don't miss out on the thrills of Star Beach water park, voted one of Europe's best.
Best Beach Destinations:
Crete reigns supreme as the ultimate beach destination in Greece, with its 650 miles of pristine coastline. From golden stretches to secluded coves, you'll find paradise on the shores of Balos Beach Lagoon, where turquoise waters meet white sands in a breathtaking display of natural beauty.
Best Party Destinations:
For those craving non-stop excitement, Mykonos, Crete, and Kos offer an electrifying nightlife scene. Dance the night away at world-class beach parties, mingle with A-list revellers, and immerse yourself in the cosmopolitan atmosphere. From Faliraki to Laganas, Greece's lively hotspots promise unforgettable experiences for party-goers.
Best Destinations for Sightseeing:
Immerse yourself in history and culture in Rhodes, home to a medieval Old Town and ancient ruins waiting to be explored. Indulge in a stay at The Ixian Grand for convenient access to the island's most iconic sights. Athens, with its ancient wonders, is also a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts.
Best Destinations for Adventure:
Get off the beaten path and explore the rugged beauty of Corfu's olive groves and pine-clad forests on a thrilling hiking adventure. Seek out secluded bliss in the hidden gems of Skiathos, Kefalonia, Lefkas, and Thassos, where unspoiled nature awaits at every turn.
More Greece travel guides
Mainland Greece
Greek Islands
Our Greece holidays guide was last revised and updated in May 2026.
