Greece holidays

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Greece holidays

Best hotels in Greece

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

Everything is sorted in advance, leaving you free to relax once you arrive.

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

Where else can you stand inside an ancient theatre, sail to another island for lunch, and watch the sun set behind blue-domed rooftops?

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.

 

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.

 

More Greece travel guides

Mainland Greece

Athens holidays

Halkidiki holidays

Olympus Riviera

Greek Islands

Crete holidays

Corfu holidays

Kefalonia holidays

Zante holidays

Mykonos holidays

Santorini holidays

Rhodes holidays

Kos holidays

Our Greece holidays guide was last revised and updated in February 2026.

 

Map of Greece

world_map
20°C–35°C

Spring and autumn suit sightseeing and walking. Summer suits beach holidays. Southern islands stay warmer into October.

View live forecast

Approximately four hours
Athens is Greece’s main international hub. Major islands also have well-served airports.

Greece is best for

History buffs: In Greece, history appears everywhere. You’ll see ruins in towns, cities, and landscapes.

Sunseekers: Summers are hot and skies stay clear from spring to autumn.

Food lovers: If meals are a highlight of your holiday, Greece won’t disappoint. Greeks love good food and eating out together is part of daily life.

Fast facts for Greece

Language: Greek is the official language. English is widely spoken, particularly in tourist areas.

Currency: Euro (€)

Local time: Greece is 2 hours ahead of GMT/UK time.

Fly to:

  • Aktion (Preveza) Airport for Lefkas and Parga
  • Corfu International Airport for Corfu
  • Heraklion Airport for Crete
  • Rhodes International Airport for Rhodes
  • Transfer times are 20 minutes to 2.5 hours


Flight duration from the UK: Around 4 hours.

Tourist Information: Find further information about various Greece destinations at the official Greece tourism website.

Getting around Greece

By hire car: Greek roads are well maintained and come with plenty of signage, with hire car venues in most of its towns and cities. Do remember that the locals drive on the right and overtake on the left!

By scooter: Scooters are a popular method of transport among locals and tourists alike, offering a quick and convenient way to see the sights.

By boat: There are plenty of boat trips on offer from Greece’s many beaches and harbours. This is a great way to explore the country’s idyllic islands, or gain access to those secret, sheltered coves for a peaceful day’s sunbathing.

Events in Greece

Greek Orthodox Easter (spring) - A major cultural celebration, with candlelit processions, local traditions and evening festivities.

Feast of the Dormition (15 August) - One of Greece’s biggest public holidays, bringing church services and village festivals, especially on the islands.

Local saints’ days - Many towns and villages celebrate their patron saint each year, often with food, music and traditional dancing.

Greece safety and security

Passport and visa requirements

UK citizens need a valid passport; visas aren’t usually required for short stays, but check government travel advice for updates.

Travel insurance

Travel health insurance is strongly recommended. Make sure your policy covers activities like diving or hiking.

Things that can catch first-time visitors out

  1. Tap water is safe in most cities; on some islands desalinated water can taste salty and locals prefer bottled.
  2. Smoking is banned indoors.
  3. The legal drinking age is 18.
  4. Dress modestly in churches. Cover shoulders and knees.
  5. Popular hiking routes like Santorini’s caldera walk are hot, exposed and uneven, so wear sturdy shoes and carry water.
  6. The emergency number is 112 (works across Europe).

Greece weather

Best time to visit Greece

May, June, September and October are the best months to visit Greece, offering warm weather, fewer crowds and better value than peak summer.

July and August are hotter and busier, making them better for beach and nightlife-focused holidays.

For detailed monthly temperatures and sea conditions, see our Greece weather guide.

More hotels in Greece

Discover the best destinations to visit in Greece

Popular Greece holiday resorts

Greece holiday FAQs

FAQs

Which part of Greece is best?

Crete is the most versatile choice. It offers beaches, historic towns, and varied resorts. Rhodes suits late-season travel. Corfu is known for greener landscapes and Venetian-style architecture. Santorini and Mykonos are better suited to couples and shorter stays.

Is Greece good for families?

Yes. Shallow beaches, child‑friendly resorts and relaxed island life make Greece a great choice for family holidays.

Why Greece and not Spain or Turkey?

  1. Spain suits easy beach trips.
  2. Turkey stands out for value-packed All Inclusive stays.
  3. Greece? It stands out for variety. Where else can you stand inside an ancient theatre, sail to another island for lunch, and watch the sun set behind blue-domed rooftops?

If you’re curious about how Greece compares to Turkey, take a look at our Greece vs Turkey guide.

Where should first-time visitors stay?

Crete, Rhodes and Athens are the easiest places to start. They offer good flight connections, a range of accommodation and plenty to see.

Which part of Greece has the best beaches?

Crete and Rhodes are top for long sandy beaches. Zakynthos and Lefkas are famous for dramatic turquoise coves. Mykonos is better for beach clubs and lively atmospheres.

How do you get between islands in Greece?

Most Greek islands are connected by ferry, with more routes available during summer.

Do shops close in the afternoon in Greece?

Some shops in smaller towns close mid-afternoon, usually between 2pm and 5pm.

Is Greece expensive compared to other Mediterranean destinations?

Greece can be affordable or expensive depending on where and when you travel. Large islands usually have more choice and better value. Visiting outside July-August often cuts costs without losing the sunshine.

What’s the best way to get around Greece?

Getting around Greece is simple. Hire cars are popular. Roads are well maintained. Driving is on the right. Scooters are common in towns and on islands for short trips. Ferries and boat trips connect the islands and reach beaches and coves that aren’t accessible by road.

Are there vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Greece?

Yes. Many Greek dishes are plant‑based and use olive oil, vegetables and pulses. Ask for Ladera dishes (slow‑cooked vegetables) and check HappyCow for vegan‑friendly spots.

Do note that feta cheese is often added by default - you can request dishes without it.

When is the cheapest time to visit Greece?

April, early May and October often offer warm weather, lower prices, and better availability at popular hotels.

For the best deals, look out for:

  1. Early‑season offers (April-May)
  2. Late‑season discounts (October)
  3. Last‑minute Greece holidays
  4. All Inclusive packages that bundle flights, hotels, and transfers

November to March is generally the cheapest overall.
However, many businesses close in winter.

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