Greece holidays

Greece holidays

Deals from £108 per person

Holidays to Greece are a must for the sunseekers, the foodies, the history buffs and the revellers. The beaches alone are an Instragrammers dream. 

Why go on holiday to Greece?

Greece and its islands are nothing short of captivating. With those glittering coves, sun-bleached ruins and postcard-worthy cobbled streets. And when you’re done admiring the country’s good looks, you’ve got historical sights at every turn - so you’ll always find things to do.

With flexible Greece holiday packages to suit every budget, you can bag yourself a last minute bargain, go your own way with Self Catering or enjoy the perks of an All Inclusive hotel.

Greece holiday highlights

• Climb the Acropolis in Rhodes

• Visit the abandoned shipwreck in Zante

• Sunbathe on the pink sands in Crete

• Swim through the tunnel of love in Corfu

Where to holiday in Greece?

To the mythic mainland or the idyllic Greek islands? Holidays to Greece will tick endless swimming spots, historic trails and instagram-worthy beaches off your checklist. From crowd-free spots in Skopelos to big-name party destinations like Zante - Greece can be as high-octane or secluded as you want them to be.

Best for couples: While Santorini is the honeymoon favourite, the Greek islands are brimming with romantic sights. From the pink sands in Crete to the Canal D’Amour in Corfu. For some 5 star Greece luxury, check out the Stella Island Luxury Resort & Spa.

Best for families: Hersonissos, Corfu and Crete are a must for classic family holidays in Greece. Check out 5 star Corfu Holiday Palace, with its child-friendly waterparks, or the Mitsis Blue Domes with its 10 pools! Bonus points if you visit the Star Beach water park, it’s voted one of the best in Europe.

Best for beaches: Crete is the most popular spot for beach holidays in Greece, with 650 miles of turquoise coastline. From golden stretches to rocky coves. Find genuine paradise on the white sands of Balos Beach Lagoon.

Best for party-goers: Energetic Mykonos, Crete and Kos are known for their vibrant nightlife, with world-class beach parties, A-list revellers and a cosmopolitan atmosphere. Malia, Stalis, Faliraki, Kardamena and Laganas are all lively hotspots.

Best for sights: Historic Rhodes is home to a medieval Old Town, impressive fortresses and archaeological ruins. Be close to the sights with a stay at The Ixian Grand. Athens’ ancient history also makes for a bucket-list worthy Greek getaway.

Best for adventures: Corfu’s olive groves and pine-clad forests are a must for avid hikers. For secluded bliss, head to the pocket-sized hideaways in Skiathos and Kefalonia, or under-the-radar Lefkas and Thassos .

Unsure of the best time of the year to visit? Check the weather in Greece to see which month is right for you. 

More Travel Guides

We also have travel guides available for destinations, including Athens | CorfuCrete | Halkidiki | KalamataKefaloniaKos | Lefkas | LesbosMykonos | Olympius Riviera | PargaRhodes | SantoriniSkiathos | Skopelos | ThassosZante 

Map of Greece

world_map
11°C - 38°C

Sun-worshippers will enjoy the sweltering temperatures between June and August. For cooler conditions, book your holidays to Greece in spring or autumn.

View live forecast

Approximately four hours
The main international airport in Greece is Athens International Airport (AKA Eleftherios Venizelos) and is located just outside the capital. Although visitors frequently fly to the smaller airports of Crete, Rhodes, Kos and Corfu.

Greece is best for

History lovers: Home to some of the world’s best-preserved ancient sites, there’s no wonder Greece is a hit with history buffs. Discover tombs, temples, castles, palaces and all kinds of mythical ruins linked to famous gods. 

Sun-seekers: Greece lies at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa, offering superb summer weather alongside some of the world’s most impressive beaches.

Foodies: Whether you visit a rustic taverna, a street stall or prefer a fancy fine dining experience, Greece’s food is full of flavour. Tuck into dishes stuffed with Mediterranean vegetables, savour meat-packed mezzes and chow down on salads doused in olive oil and topped with feta.

Fast facts for Greece

Language: Greek is the official language, but most locals will have a basic understanding of English. However, it’s always worth learning a few common phrases to get by.

Currency: The currency in Greece is the Euro (EUR).

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

Fly to: Aktion National Airport to reach the mainland resorts of Lefkas and Parga, which are around 20 minutes to 1 hour away by car. You can fly to most of the islands directly; 

  • Corfu: Corfu International Airport with transfers taking around 20 minutes to 2.5 hours
  • Crete: Heraklion International Airport with transfers taking up to 2 hours and 40 minutes
  • Rhodes: Rhodes International Airport with transfer times of around 30 to 90 minutes.

Flight time from the UK: The flight time to Greece is around 3 - 4.5 hours.

Tourist Information: Further tourist information can be found at the official website for tourism in Greece.

Visa / Health: Before you travel, check the latest advice from The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.

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

The Feast of the Dormition of Theotokos: This religious celebration is held on 15th August to mark the passing of the Virgin Mary. It is also an annual national holiday with festivities throughout the country, typically starting with church processions, and ending with feasting, drinking and dancing.

Saint’s Day: Each Greek island has its own religious celebration in honour of their patron. On this day, most village and town squares will be filled with food, drink and folk dancing.

Greece safety and security

Do I need a passport?

All British citizens travelling to Greece must carry a full UK passport, which will need to be valid for the duration of your stay, at the very least.

Do I need a visa?

British citizens do not need a visa to visit Greece as a tourist. If you’re unsure about whether or not you require a visa for your Greece holiday, you can always check with the Greek Embassy.

For up-to-date advice on entry requirements please visit the FCDO website.

Should I get travel health insurance?

Wherever you travel in the world, it’s wise to take out comprehensive travel health insurance to protect you financially. If you have an accident or become ill on holiday, travel insurance will help towards the cost of things like medicine, treatment and even returning to the UK, if necessary. Always check your policy to see what your cover includes.

For up-to-date advice on travelling to Greece, please visit the FCDO website.

Any other tips?

  • Be prepared to adapt to Greek time, especially when it comes to meals. While we tend to eat our dinner in the early evenings, Greeks eat much later, often around 10pm.
  • While Greece is a tolerant country, you should still cover up when visiting sites of religious interest. Catholicism is still the main religion here, and flashing too much flesh at a monastery can cause unintended offence.
  • For a true taste of the sumptuous Greek cuisine on offer, go off the beaten track and try out a taverna or two.
  • Learn a few greetings and basic phrases to impress the locals, no matter how shockingly bad your pronunciation. 
  • There are some fantastic hiking tours, particularly in Santorini, with its sprawling scenery and cobalt-capped churches.

Greece weather

Temperature: The average temperature ranges from 10°C in the winter to 28°C in the summer.

Best time to go?

The country enjoys a typically Mediterranean climate, with long, hot summers and mild winters, so if it’s sun, sea and sand you’re after, the weather in Greece is perfect between June and the end of August. You can expect temperatures around 24°C, with some days hitting the mid 30s.

If you’re planning on visiting some of the country’s ancient relics, such as the Acropolis at Athens or the Parthenon, we suggest jetting off between the months of March and May, when the heat peaks at a manageable 24 - 25°C.

 

Discover the best destinations to visit in Greece

Best hotels in Greece

Popular Greece holiday resorts

Places similar to Greece to visit

FAQs
FAQs
What is the best month to go to Greece?

The best time to visit Greece is in late spring or early summer when the weather is mild, from April to June. This will also be the time when Greece is less crowded and reasonably priced.

Some of the mainlands are a bit chillier during the spring and autumn, but the Cyclade islands and Crete will still be nice and sunny, with the odd overcast rainy day. You're looking at average temperatures of 9 - 17°C in March, 12 - 20°C in April and a toasty 16 - 24°C May. Temperatures hover around 27 - 19°C in September, 16 - 24°C in October, and 13-19°C in November. With warm sun and seawater often throughout November. If you want a 30°C scorcher, summer offers almost pure sunshine.

Which part of Greece is best for a holiday?

It’s hard to pin down the best destination for a holiday in Greece. Whether it’s on one of the thousands of coast-hugging islands, like Mykonos and Santorini, or on the history rich mainland, with must-see Athens and Delphi.

Corfu boasts picturesque villages like Perithia and the UNESCO-listed old town, rugged mountains, fabulous food and a rich heritage. Crete has its Venetian harbour, minoan settlement, waterparks and famous pink-sand beaches. Rhodes is best for 14th-century knight-houses, medieval inns and lively modern bars.

Zante has its famous shipwreck, horse-riding and loggerhead turtle expeditions.  With ancient ruins, turquoise waters and stunning beaches, it’s no wonder that Greece is one of the top places to visit in the world.

What is Greece known for?

Greece is known for its soul-stirring scenery, warm hospitality, unrivalled food, cliffside churches, pine-clad coves, crumbling ruins, and whitewashed sleepy villages.

Wander through narrow cobblestone streets, tuck into traditional cuisine in charming tavernas, nose around ancient sights, seek out impressive marine life, hike beautiful olive groves, relax on scenic beaches, make a splash at the waterparks, or even party on down in hotspots like Faliraki, Kardamena and Laganas. Holidays to Greece offer everything you could want from a getaway, paired with rural beauty and must-see archaeological ruins.

What is the food like in Greece?

The food in Greece is known for its use of fresh, simple ingredients that come together to create delicious and healthy dishes. Traditional Greek dishes often include fresh vegetables, herbs, olive oil, and seafood.

Some of the most popular dishes in Greece include tzatziki, a creamy dip made with yogurt and cucumbers, souvlaki, skewered meat grilled to perfection, moussaka, a layered casserole with eggplant and minced meat, and spanakopita, a spinach and feta cheese pastry. Greece is also famous for its olives and olive oil, which are staples in many of its dishes. Greek cuisine is a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and the natural bounty of its land and sea

Are holidays to Greece family-friendly?

Holidays to Greece are family-friendly, and for good reason. The country offers a combination of cultural, historical, and natural attractions that has mega appeal to visitors of all ages. Its warm climate, beautiful beaches, and crystal-clear waters are perfect for family-friendly activities like swimming, boating, and snorkeling.

Greek cuisine is also diverse and flavorful, offering a range of dishes that can suit even the pickiest eaters. Furthermore, many Greek resorts and hotels offer amenities and activities specifically designed for families, such as children's pools, playgrounds, and kids’ clubs. With its welcoming culture, beautiful scenery, and abundance of fun activities, Greece is a perfect destination for a memorable family vacation.

What is a popular holiday in Greece?

Greece is a popular holiday destination with a variety of destinations to choose from. Some of the most visited hotspots include Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, Corfu, Rhodes, Kos, and Athens. Santorini is known for its stunning views, whitewashed houses, and beautiful sunsets, while Mykonos is famous for its nightlife and sandy beaches.

Crete is the largest of the Greek islands and is celebrated for its pink-sand beaches, ancient ruins, and traditional villages. Corfu and Rhodes are popular islands for their rich cultural history and beautiful beaches. Finally, Athens is a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts with its ancient landmarks such as the Acropolis and the Parthenon.

Which is the safest Greek island to visit?

Greece is generally a safe country for travellers, as are most of its islands. Some islands are known for their lower crime rates and safety, making them popular destinations for tourists.

One of the safest being Naxos, located in the Cyclades. Naxos is known for its friendly locals and tranquil atmosphere. Other safe Greek islands include Paros, Skiathos, and Skopelos. These islands offer a relaxing and peaceful environment, as well as beautiful beaches and stunning scenery.

Crete, Rhodes, Zante and Corfu are generally considered safe to visit for tourists. However, travellers should still exercise basic safety precautions, such as being aware of their surroundings and belongings.

Where should I stay in Greece for the first time?

If you're visiting Greece for the first time, there are so many destinations that will give you a memorable and authentic experience. Athens is a must-visit for history buffs, with the Acropolis and the Parthenon.

For island destinations, Santorini is loved for its iconic whitewashed houses and sunsets, while Mykonos is famed for its vibrant nightlife and party beaches. Crete is the largest of the Greek islands with two pink-sand beaches (Balos and Elafonissi), Minoan sites, palm-tree forests, Raki (strong liquor), and the most Blue Flag beaches in the EU (112). Corfu and Rhodes are also popular destinations with lush greenery, historic monuments and soft sand spots, perfect for families.

What is the nicest Greek island to visit?

The nicest Greek island to visit depends on what you’re looking for. Santorini is without a doubt the best for honeymooners, with its romantic views over the famous caldera (volcanic crater), white-washed cave houses and iconic blue domes. Best for its cosmopolitan vibes is Corfu.

Amongst the verdant landscapes, rolling olive groves and pastel villages are vogue cocktail bars and world-renowned bistros. The best Greek island for families is Kefalonia. Loved for its laid-back sandy beaches (Avithos, Trapezaki and Lourdata), marine life, underwater lakes and short flight times.

Which Greek island is the cheapest?

The cost of travelling in Greece will vary greatly by destination and time of year, but there are some islands that are generally considered more affordable than others. One of the cheapest Greek islands to visit is Crete, which offers a mix of sandy beaches, spectacular natural scenery, and those traditional sleepy villages.

Paros and Naxos are the low-key affordable islands with a laid-back atmosphere, cheaper authentic food and plenty of pretty villages and ancient sights to explore. Ultimately, the cost of travelling in Greece will depend on your travel style, but these islands can offer  great value for budget-conscious travellers.

Is it cheap to holiday in Greece?

If you're looking for a destination that won't break the bank, then Greece might just be the perfect spot for you. There are several reasons why it's relatively cheap to holiday in Greece.

First of all, there’s a wide range of budget-friendly hotels and apartments. The cost of food and drinks in Greece is also relatively low, and there are plenty of delicious and authentic dishes that won't cost a fortune. Lastly, many of the best attractions in Greece, such as the stunning beaches and ancient landmarks, can be enjoyed for free or at a low cost. So why not book that trip to Greece and experience all that this beautiful country has to offer without breaking the bank?

How long does it take to fly to Greece?

The flight time from the UK to Greece is about three to five hours, depending of course on which airport you fly from.

Which part of Greece has the best beaches?

Greece is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, so it's difficult to pick just one. Here are a few of our favourites: 

  • Zakynthos Island: Zakynthos, also known as Zante, is famous for its beautiful beaches with turquoise waters and white sand, such as Navagio Beach (aka shipwreck beach) and Gerakas Beach (a protected beach where sea turtles lay their eggs).
  • Crete Island: Crete is Greece's largest island and has a wide variety of beaches, from long sandy stretches to secluded coves. Some of the most famous beaches on Crete include Elafonisi Beach, for its pink sand, Balos Beach for its rolling white sand dunes, and Vai Beach for its 5,000 palm trees, a rare sight in Europe.
  • Mykonos Island: Mykonos is known for its cosmopolitan atmosphere and beautiful beaches, such as the iconic Paradise Beach, a lively party spot which can only be reached by boat or on foot, and Super Paradise Beach, a popular LGBTQ+ hotspot.
  • Santorini Island: Santorini is famous for its stunning volcanic landscape and unique black and red sand beaches, such as Perissa Beach and Kamari Beach.
  • Corfu Island: Corfu is known for its green hills and beautiful beaches, such as Paleokastritsa Beach, loved for its sea caves and mythology, and Glyfada Beach for romantic sunset strolls and energetic atmosphere.
Where are the most secluded parts of Greece for a quiet holiday?

Lefkas is a quiet island with traditional pastel coloured towns and beaches that have remained unchanged for centuries. Kefalonia is also known for its secluded beaches, clear blue waters, and charming villages.