Greece close map view

Greece

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Greece: Where History Winks at You and Every Meal Comes With Feta

Welcome to Greece — where ancient ruins meet island beaches, the sunsets look Photoshopped, and every Greek yiayia (grandma) will insist you haven’t eaten enough. Whether you’re chasing myths or just chasing the sun, Greece is your one-way ticket to a vacation that feels both epic and delicious.

So grab your sandals, pack your stretchy pants (you’ll need them), and let’s explore this Mediterranean marvel.

How to Reach Greece

Unless you’re planning to sail in like Odysseus (which, to be fair, is a vibe), you’ll most likely fly.

  • By Air:
    The main gateway is Athens International Airport (ATH). It’s modern, efficient, and often your first taste of Greek hospitality.

    Popular airports also include:

    • Thessaloniki (SKG) – Great for northern Greece.

    • Heraklion (Crete), Rhodes, Santorini, and Mykonos – If you’re diving straight into island life.

  • By Sea:
    Ferries are practically a national sport. You can sail in from Italy or Turkey, or hop between islands like a seafood-loving nomad.

  • By Land:
    Bus and train connections are available from neighboring Balkan countries, but we suggest flying if you value legroom and sanity.

Santorini, Greece city view

Currency

  • Currency: Euro (€)

  • Cards & Cash: Most places accept cards, but in smaller towns and tavernas, cash is still king (or Zeus, in this case).

  • Tipping: Not mandatory, but appreciated. Round up or leave 5–10% for good service. Your waiter might thank you with a free dessert or a shot of ouzo (brace yourself).

Pro Tip: Greece is more affordable than many European destinations, especially if you skip the touristy Mykonos route and head for lesser-known gems.

Popular Destinations

Athens – Old Soul, Young Vibe

Home to the Acropolis, this city has been around since… well, forever. But don’t let the ancient ruins fool you — Athens is also alive with rooftop bars, art, and a food scene that rivals any capital.

  • Visit the Parthenon and Ancient Agora

  • Explore Plaka for charming streets and tavernas

  • Catch the sunset from Lycabettus Hill or a hip rooftop with a cocktail in hand

Santorini – Instagram Called, It Wants Its Filters Back

Famous for its whitewashed buildings with blue domes, this volcanic island is ridiculously photogenic.

  • Don’t miss the sunset in Oia (you’ll be sharing it with 3,000 other people and 12 drones, but it’s worth it)

  • Swim at Red Beach and Black Beach

  • Sip local wine with a view that makes you forget your email password

Crete – Big Island Energy

Crete is Greece’s largest island, and it’s practically a country on its own. Mountains, beaches, ancient ruins, and food that’ll ruin your diet forever.

  • Visit Knossos, the legendary palace of King Minos and the Minotaur

  • Hike the Samaria Gorge

  • Eat dakos, kalitsounia, and anything a grandma puts in front of you

Meteora – Where Monks Built Sky Castles

This central Greek destination is pure magic. Monasteries perched on massive rock pillars — it’s Hogwarts, but with more incense.

  • Visit the cliff-top monasteries (and count those steps — leg day!)

  • Ideal for hiking, photography, and existential thoughts

Mykonos – Party Like Dionysus

Mykonos is the flashy cousin in the Greek family — beautiful, wild, and always ready for a beach party.

  • Stroll through Little Venice

  • Dance at Paradise Beach (or Super Paradise, if you’re super brave)

  • Spot the iconic windmills (while pretending not to notice the yachts)

Mykonos town, Mykonos island, Greece city view

Thessaloniki – Greece’s Coolest Second City

Less touristy than Athens, but with food that will haunt your dreams (in a good way).

  • Amazing Byzantine history

  • Bustling nightlife and waterfront promenade

  • Try bougatsa (Greek custard pastry) and thank us later

Best Time to Visit

  • Summer (June to August): Sunny, hot, and buzzing. Great for island hopping, but prepare for crowds (and sunscreen overload).

  • Spring (April to May) & Fall (September to October): Absolute sweet spot. Fewer tourists, great weather, and everything’s blooming (or grape-harvested).

  • Winter (November to March): Ideal for mainland exploration. Islands slow down, but Athens and Thessaloniki shine with culture.

Food

Greek food is not just a meal — it’s a cultural event. A parade of flavors. A declaration of “you better eat more.”

Must-Try Dishes:

  • Moussaka: Lasagna’s Greek cousin with eggplant and béchamel dreams.

  • Souvlaki: Skewered meat that should have its own fan club.

  • Gyros: Like a sandwich, but Greek and blessed.

  • Spanakopita: Spinach and cheese in phyllo — flaky heaven.

  • Tzatziki: Yogurt + cucumber + garlic = magic dip for everything.

  • Baklava: Syrupy, nutty, and sinfully sweet.

Drinks:

  • Ouzo: Anise-flavored and dangerously easy to sip.

  • Retsina: Wine with a pine twist — surprisingly good.

  • Frappé: Iced coffee, Greek style. Cold, frothy, addictive.

Pro Tip: Meals are leisurely, social, and always seem to end with fruit or dessert “on the house.” Say yes. Always say yes.

Moussaka - a traditional Greek dish

Culture

  • Greeks are famously friendly, loud (in the best way), and love to talk — especially about history, food, and how you must try their mom’s cooking.

  • Family is everything, and guests are treated like royalty. You’ll probably be invited to someone’s home before you even finish your gyro.

  • Dancing isn’t just for weddings. If you hear music, someone will start moving — probably in a circle, probably with a plate-breaking finale.

Getting Around

  • Ferries: The lifeblood of the islands. Book in advance during summer.

  • Buses: Affordable and reliable for intercity travel.

  • Cars: Great for exploring the mainland and island interiors, just be ready for curvy roads and passionate drivers.

  • Domestic Flights: Handy for hopping between distant islands.

Quick Travel Tips

  • Learn a few Greek words — even “Yassas” (hello) or “Efharisto” (thank you) earns you big points.

  • Don’t flush toilet paper — Greek plumbing prefers the bin.

  • Eat local, shop small, and skip the cruise ship crowds when you can.

  • Bring comfortable shoes. Cobbled streets + sandals = stylish regret.

Final Thoughts

Greece is where time slows down and every moment feels mythic. One foot in the past, one foot in paradise, and both firmly planted in warm sand. Whether you’re dancing by the sea, sipping wine under the Acropolis, or feasting on food you can’t pronounce but will crave forever — Greece grabs you by the heart and never really lets go.

So go ahead. Channel your inner god or goddess. Greece is calling. And it brought baklava.