Greece

Contents

Plan Your Trip

Welcome to Greece

Greece’s Top 20

Need to Know

First Time Greece

What’s New

If You Like…

Month by Month

Itineraries

Island Hopping

Cruising

Eat & Drink Like a Local

Outdoor Activities

Family Travel

Regions at a Glance

On The Road

ATHENS & AROUND

Athens

Sights

Activities

Tours

Festivals & Events

Sleeping

Eating

Drinking & Nightlife

Entertainment

Shopping

Athens Ports

Piraeus

Rafina

Lavrio

Around Athens

Apollo Coast

Cape Sounion

Mt Parnitha

Marathon & Around

Vravrona

Peania

Elefsina

Byzantine Athens

PELOPONNESE

Corinthia

Argolis

Mycenae & Around

Argos

Nafplio

Arkadia

Stemnitsa

Dimitsana

Leonidio

Lakonia

Sparta

Mystras

Monemvasia

Gythio

The Mani

Areopoli

Limeni

Gerolimenas

Kardamyli

Messinia

Kalamata

Ancient Messini

Koroni

Methoni

Pylos

Gialova

Around Gialova

Elis

Olympia

Andritsena

Achaïa

Patra

Kalavryta

The Olympic Games

CENTRAL GREECE

Delphi & Sterea Ellada

Delphi

Arahova

Amfissa

Galaxidi

Nafpaktos

Messolongi

Lamia

Iti National Park

Thessaly

Larissa

Volos

Pelion Peninsula

Trikala

Meteora

Kalambaka

Kastraki

NORTHERN GREECE

Macedonia

Thessaloniki

Halkidiki

Litohoro

Around Litohoro

Veria

Edessa

Florina

Kastoria

Kavala

Thrace

Xanthi & Around

Komotini

Alexandroupoli

Around Alexandroupoli

Orestiada

Epiros

Ioannina

Metsovo

Zagorohoria

Preveza

Arta

Parga

Igoumenitsa

SARONIC GULF ISLANDS

Aegina

Aegina Town

Around Aegina

Angistri

Poros

Poros Town

Around Poros

Hydra

Hydra Town

Around Hydra

Spetses

CYCLADES

Andros

Gavrio

Batsi

Hora (Andros)

Around Andros

Tinos

Hora (Tinos)

Around Tinos

Syros

Ermoupoli

Around Syros

Mykonos

Hora (Mykonos)

Around Mykonos

Delos

Paros

Parikia

Naoussa

Around Paros

Antiparos

Naxos

Hora (Naxos)

The North

Southwest Beaches

Halki

Apiranthos

Small Cyclades

Iraklia

Schinousa

Koufonisia

Donousa

Amorgos

Katapola

Hora (Amorgos)

Aegiali

Around Amorgos

Ios

Santorini (thira)

Fira

Oia

Around Santorini

Anafi

Sikinos

Folegandros

Karavostasis

Hora (Folegandros)

Ano Meria

Milos

Adamas

Plaka, Trypiti & Triovasalos

Pollonia

Around Milos

Kimolos

Sifnos

Kamares

Apollonia

Kastro

Around Sifnos

Serifos

Livadi

Hora (Serifos)

Kythnos

Merihas

Hora (Kythnos)

Loutra

Kea

Korissia

Ioulida

Around Kea

CRETE

Iraklio Province

Iraklio

Knossos

Iraklio Wine Country

Zaros

Matala

Hersonisos

Rethymno Province

Rethymno

West of Rethymno

East of Rethymno

South of Rethymno

Hania Province

Hania

Kissamos

Around Kissamos

Imbros Gorge

Southern Coast

Lasithi Province

Agios Nikolaos

Around Agios Nikolaos

Mohlos

Sitia

Around Sitia

Zakros & Kato Zakros

Ierapetra

Myrtos

Lasithi Plateau

DODECANESE

Rhodes

Rhodes Town

Northeastern Rhodes

Lindos

Southeastern Rhodes

Western Rhodes & the Interior

Halki

Emborios

Around Halki

Karpathos

Pigadia

Southern Karpathos

Diafani

Kasos

Fry

Around Kasos

Kastellorizo

Kastellorizo Village

Symi

Gialos

Around Symi

Tilos

Livadia

Megalo Horio

Northwest Tilos

Nisyros

Mandraki

Around Nisyros

Kos

Kos Town

Around Kos

Kamari & Kefalos Bay

Astypalea

Pera Gialos & Hora

Livadi

West of Pera Gialos

East of Pera Gialos

Kalymnos

Pothia

Western Kalymnos

Telendos Islet

Leros

Platanos & Agia Marina

Pandeli

Vromolithos

Lakki

Xirokambos

Krithoni & Alinda

Patmos

Skala

Hora

North of Skala

South of Skala

Lipsi

Lipsi Village

Around Lipsi

NORTHEASTERN AEGEAN ISLANDS

Ikaria

Agios Kirykos

Evdilos

Kambos

Hristos Rahes

Armenistis

Karavostamo

Fourni Islands

Samos

Vathy

Pythagorio

Around Pythagorio

Northern Samos

Chios

Chios Town

Northern Chios

Southern Chios

Lesvos

Mytilini Town

Northern Lesvos

Western Lesvos

Southern Lesvos

Limnos

Myrina

Western Limnos

Eastern Limnos

Samothraki

Kamariotissa & Around

Hora (Samothraki)

Loutra

Thasos

Thasos (Limenas)

Western Thasos

Eastern Thasos

EVIA & THE SPORADES

Evia

Halkida

Eretria

Steni

Northern Evia

Southern Evia

Skiathos

Skiathos Town

Around Skiathos

Skopelos

Skopelos Town

Glossa & Loutraki

Around Skopelos

Alonnisos

Patitiri

Old Alonnisos

Around Alonnisos

Skyros

Skyros Town

Magazia & Molos

Linaria

Around Skyros

IONIAN ISLANDS

Corfu

Corfu Town

Northern Corfu

Western Corfu

Paxi

Gaïos

Loggos

Lakka

Lefkada

Lefkada Town

Eastern Lefkada

Vasiliki

Western Lefkada

Central Lefkada

Kefallonia

Argostoli

Around Argostoli

Paliki Peninsula

Sami & Around

Fiskardo

Ithaki

Vathy

Around Ithaki

Zakynthos

Zakynthos Town

Around Zakynthos

Kythira

Hora (Kythira)

Kapsali

Potamos

Agia Pelagia

Around Kythira

Understand

Understand Greece

History

Ancient Greek Culture

The Greek Way of Life

The Arts

Architecture

Nature & Wildlife

Survival Guide

Directory A–Z

Accessible Travel

Accommodation

Customs Regulations

Discount Cards

Embassies & Consulates

Electricity

Health

Internet Access

Legal Matters

LGBT+ Travellers

Maps

Money

Opening Hours

Photography

Public Holidays

Safe Travel

Smoking

Taxes & Refunds

Telephone

Time

Toilets

Tourist Information

Visas

Volunteering

Women Travellers

Work

Transport

Getting There & Away

Entering the Country

Air

Land

Sea

Getting Around

Air

Bicycle

Boat

Bus

Car & Motorcycle

Hitching

Local Transport

Tours

Train

Language

Behind the Scenes

Our Writers

Welcome to Greece

Hedonists rejoice! Ancient ruins piercing blue skies, the balmy Aegean lapping an endless coastline, and a culture alive with passionate music and wonderful cuisine – Greece is all this and much more.

Cultural Treasure Chest

Western culture’s roots are in Greece. Step into the first Olympic stadium. Climb the worn stone steps up to Meteora’s monasteries, perched atop towering rocks. Take in the grandeur of Delphi or a starlit drama at an ancient outdoor theatre and be stunned by massive marble sculptures dredged up from the Aegean. But then you’ll encounter bold contemporary art, the melancholic throb of rembetika (blues songs) and artisans creating new work using traditional techniques. Greece has endless cultural pursuits and a calendar bursting with festivals, holidays and exhibits.

Wildly Natural

Days in Greece melt from one to the next under wide open skies and a sea speckled with islands fringed with the white-sand, pine-tree-shaded beaches of your dreams. Wander along cobbled Byzantine footpaths, hike up volcanoes, watch for dolphins and sea turtles, and cycle through lush forests. Meander through olive groves, idyllic villages and petrified forests. For thrills there’s world-class kitesurfing, wreck diving, and rock-climbing locations with dizzying views. Or simply hop on a boat and set sail into the glittering blue beyond.

Local Flavours

The core ingredients of Greek cooking, such as feta and olive oil, are universal across the country, but unique regional produce and cooking styles make travelling here a culinary adventure. Taste herbs and mountain greens you’ve never heard of, mussels steamed in ouzo, and fish straight from the sea. Taste-test crumbling feta, honeyed soft cheeses and sharp, hard rounds. Find Italian influences in risottos and pastas, and Turkish spices woven into delicate sweets. A traditional-cooking renaissance has chefs lifting time-honoured recipes to new gourmet heights.

Socially Spirited

Socialising is more than a pastime in Greece – it’s a way of life. Cafes overflow with youngsters gossiping or older locals in heated debate. Restaurants are filled with long tables for big gatherings, and friends amble arm in arm down the street. Squares are the focal point, where life unfolds collectively. Immerse yourself, whether it’s a coffee, a shot of ouzo, a chorus on the bouzouki or a local celebration. Greeks are passionate and live life to the fullest, even at the most difficult times. The result is a country seemingly riddled with challenges, yet full of people loving life.

Moni Megalou Meteorou, Meteora | JUSTIN FOULKES/LONELY PLANET ©

Why I Love Greece

By Simon Richmond, Writer

Greece was one of the first countries that I visited in my youth. Like many European travellers, I was drawn by its ancient culture, sunny skies, azure seas and general affordability. On arrival I also discovered that Greek cuisine was superb – all those fresh, healthy ingredients! – that its mountainous landscape meant you could downhill ski as well as waterski around islands, and that the locals were a superfriendly and sociable lot. Nothing has changed on all those scores: Greece remains the perfect holiday destination.

For more, see Our Writers

Greece’s Top 20

Experiencing the Acropolis

Regal on its hilltop, the elegant Acropolis remains the quintessential landmark of Western civilisation. Explore it early in the morning or soak up the view from a dinnertime terrace; no matter how you experience the Acropolis, you will be mesmerised by its beauty, history and sheer size. The Parthenon is the star attraction, but don’t overlook the exquisite Temple of Athena Nike and the Theatre of Dionysos. Nearby, the state-of-the-art Acropolis Museum provides a close-up look at the surviving treasures of the site.

VIACHESLAV LOPATIN/SHUTTERSTOCK ©

Top Experiences

Meteora

Magnificent Meteora will leave you speechless. Soaring pillars of rock jut heavenward, a handful complete with monasteries perched on their summits. Built as early as the 14th century, these were home to hermit monks fleeing persecution. The rope ladders that once enabled the monks to reach the top have long been replaced by steps carved into the rock, and six of the 24 monasteries remain open to resident monks and visitors alike. Today this spectacular stone forest beckons pilgrims and rock climbers from around the world.

Moni Agiou Stefanou | JUSTIN FOULKES/LONELY PLANET ©

Top Experiences

Ancient Delphi

Early morning is a magical time at Ancient Delphi, as the sun’s rays pour over the Sanctuary of Athena Pronea. As you gaze out over the Gulf of Corinth, it is easy to understand why the ancient Greeks chose this as the centre of their world. Today, only three columns remain of the magnificent sanctuary, but that’s enough to let your imagination soar. Nearby, the Sacred Way meanders past the Temple of Apollo where prophecies were uttered that sent armies to battle and made lovers swoon.

ANTONIS ANDROULAKIS/500PX ©

Top Experiences

Cutting-Edge Capital

Life in Athens is a magnificent mash-up of both the ancient and the contemporary. Beneath the majestic facades of the many venerable landmarks, the city is teeming with life and creativity. Galleries and clubs hold the exhibitions, performances and installations of the city’s booming arts scene. Street art is all around. Fashionable restaurants and humble tavernas rustle up plate after plate of satisfying fare. Soulful rembetika (blues songs) serenade the cobbled streets, while cocktail bars and nightclubs abound and swing deep into the night.

MILAN GONDA/SHUTTERSTOCK ©

Top Experiences

Rhodes’ Old Town

Getting lost in Rhodes’ Old Town is a must. Away from the crowds, you’ll find yourself meandering down twisting, cobbled alleyways with soaring archways and lively squares. In these hidden corners your imagination will take off with flights of medieval fancy. Explore the ancient Knights’ Quarter, the old Jewish Quarter or the Hora (Turkish Quarter). Hear traditional live music in tiny tavernas or dine on fresh seafood at atmospheric outdoor restaurants. Wander along the top of the city’s walls, with the sea on one side and a bird’s-eye view into this living museum.

NEJDET DUZEN/SHUTTERSTOCK ©

Top Experiences

Easter Festivities on Patmos

The Greek calendar is chock-full of festivals and holidays, but the biggest event of the Greek Orthodox Church is Easter. One of the best places to experience it is on Patmos in the Dodecanese. The island comes to life with fireworks, dancing in the streets, goats roasted outdoors and plenty of ouzo. Begin by witnessing the moving, candlelit pro-cessions of flower-filled biers through the capital, marking the start of the celebration on Good Friday. By Saturday night you’ll be shouting Hristos Anesti (Christ is Risen) and cracking vibrant red-dyed eggs.

THEASTOCK/SHUTTERSTOCK ©

Top Experiences

Colourful Thessaloniki

Stylish Thessaloniki remains north-ern Greece’s liveliest town, thanks to its universities, cultural scene, arts and nightlife. Explore the old quarter, a neighbourhood full of winding streets marked by white-plastered houses, lazy cats and Byzantine churches. Taste-test your way through the city’s zaharoplasteia (patisseries), and drink up with throngs of students at stylish bars and clubs. Tour the galleries of one of the country’s most artistically fertile locations and save time for the first-rate museums. Thessaloniki has it all going on.

White Tower | ANITA ISALSKA/LONELY PLANET ©

Top Experiences

Island Hopping in the Cyclades

From the spirited nightlife and celebrity hideaways of Mykonos and Ios, to the isolated sandy coasts of tiny, far-flung specks such as Anafi, hopping through the Cyclades is a Greek experience not to be missed. Peppered with ancient ruins (try Delos), mystical castles (head to Naxos), lush scenery and dramatic coastlines (visit Milos), the islands are spread like Greek jewels across the sea. Speed over the Aegean on catamarans and sway on old-fashioned ferry boats. You won’t regret a single saltwater-splashed second of it.

Sarakiniko bay Milos | STOCKDELD/SHUTTERSTOCK ©

Top Experiences

Samaria Gorge

The dramatic gorge of Samaria is the most-trodden canyon in Crete – and with good reason. Starting near Omalos and running down through an ancient riverbed to the Libyan Sea, it’s home to soaring birds of prey and a dazzling array of wildflowers in spring. It’s a full-day’s walk (about six hours down) but the jaw-dropping views make it worth every step. To get more solitude, try lesser-known Imbros Gorge, which runs roughly parallel to Samaria and is around half the length.

ULTRAMARINFOTO/GETTY IMAGES ©

Top Experiences

Cretan Cuisine

Waistlines be damned: Crete is the perfect place to indulge. The island’s Mediterranean diet is known for its health benefits but the farm-fresh produce, aromatic herbs, straight-from-the-ocean seafood, soft, tangy cheese and some of the world’s best virgin olive oil make it legendary. Whether it’s a bowl of snails, fresh artichokes, mussels or figs, the essence of this rustic cuisine is a balance of flavours. It’s hard to beat traditional hand-spun filo, a salad of horta (wild greens) picked from a backyard garden and red mullet just hauled in.

MILA ATKOVSKA/SHUTTERSTOCK ©

Top Experiences

Knossos

Rub shoulders with the ghosts of the mighty Minoans. Knossos was their Bronze Age capital more than 4000 years ago; from here they attained an astonishingly high level of civilisation and ruled vast parts of the Aegean. After mysteriously disappearing less than a thousand years later, their extraordinary wealth of frescoes, sculptures, jewellery and structures lay buried under the Cretan soil until the site’s excavation in the early 20th century. Despite a controversial partial reconstruction, Knossos remains one of the most important archaeological sites in the Mediterranean.

JON DAVISON/LONELY PLANET ©

Top Experiences

Hydra

Everyone approaches Hydra by sea. There is no airport, there are no cars. The white-gold houses of the tiny island’s stunningly preserved stone village fill a natural cove and hug the edges of the surrounding mountains. Below, sailboats, caïques (little boats) and megayachts fill Hydra’s quays while locals and vacationers fill the harbourside cafes. Here, a mere hour and a half from Athens, you’ll find a great cappuccino, rich naval and architectural history, and the raw sea coast beckoning you for a swim.

Hydra Town | ROMAS_PHOTO/SHUTTERSTOCK ©

Top Experiences

Corfu

The story of Corfu is written across the handsome facades of its main town’s buildings. This is a place that crams a remarkable mix of architecture into its small circumference. Stroll past Byzantine fortresses, neoclassical 19th-century British buildings, Parisianstyle arcades, Orthodox church towers and the narrow, sun-dappled streets of the Venetian Old Town. Beyond the town, Corfu is lush green mountains, rolling countryside and dramatic coastlines. And if the architecture and scenery aren’t enough, come to enjoy the Italian-influenced food.

Corfu Town | CALIN STAN/SHUTTERSTOCK ©

Top Experiences

Preveli Beach

With its heart-shaped boulder lapped by the bluest waves just off-shore, Crete’s Preveli Beach is one of Greece’s most iconic. Bisected by a freshwater river and flanked by cliffs concealing sea caves, Preveli is a thick ribbon of soft sand on the Libyan Sea, with clear pools of water along its palm-lined riverbank that are perfect for cool dips. The beach lies under the sacred gaze of a magnificent monastery perched high above. Once the centre of anti-Ottoman resistance and later a shelter for Allied soldiers, this tranquil building offers magnificent views.

GATSI/GETTY IMAGES ©

Top Experiences

Halkidiki

Northern Greece’s Halkidiki stretches out into the Aegean like a fat fist with three enticing fingers of sand and sun-soaked bliss. Kassandra Peninsula buzzes in summer with open-air discos and umbrella-peppered beaches, while Sithonia Peninsula is quieter and reserved for escapists on its sandy shores. The Athos Peninsula offers stunning beaches and is also home to the men-only preserve of Mt Athos, a monastic community that has preserved its Byzantine rituals for more than 1000 years.

Moni Dionysiou | DMITRY V. PETRENKO/SHUTTERSTOCK ©

Top Experiences

Ancient Olympia

The atmosphere at the site of the first Olympics is almost mythical. Feel the watchful eye of Zeus as you tour the ruins of the stadium, gymnasium and temples, imagining the thousands of men that gathered to compete with hands full of offerings. The games were held here for at least 1000 years and the nearby museums offer a glimpse into the world of the long-ago athletes. The historical significance of this site is both humbling and inspiring. You may even be motivated to run a lap or two.

SERGIO CONSOLI/SHUTTERSTOCK ©

Top Experiences

The Mani

Although it can no longer be described as ‘remote’, the Mani holds a magic unlike anywhere else in Greece. For centuries, the feuding families here were literally a law unto themselves and this has contributed to the unique Maniot culture. The Mani’s footpaths and landscape beckon hikers from around the world. With everything from rugged rocky highlands and hidden lush green oases to small fishing tavernas and severe rock-solid tower houses, this pocket of the Peloponnese is well worth exploring.

Tower houses Vathia | ANNA KAMINSKI/LONELY PLANET ©

Top Experiences

Zagorohoria

After passing through a seemingly endless array of tunnels, the Egnatia Odos Hwy brings you into rugged Epiros, home of the Pindos Mountains and the Zagorohoria – an immaculately preserved region of traditional villages spread along the ridges of Europe’s deepest canyon, the Vikos Gorge. Here, the air is clear, fresh and cool, and the views astounding. You can explore the region by hiking or mountain biking, or simply get cosy by the fire in one of the many rustic B&Bs dotting the region.

JUSTIN FOULKES/LONELY PLANET ©

Top Experiences

Molyvos

A magnificent guest from Asia Minor, the well-preserved medieval Ottoman town of Molyvos in northern Lesvos displays a happy marriage of gorgeous landscape and gracious architecture. Sitting on top of an elegantly curving headland and crowned with a Byzantine castle, it faces west as if inviting the setting sun to touch the red-tiled roofs and yachts in the marina with its magic wand and make reality feel like oriental dream.

HERACLES KRITIKOS/SHUTTERSTOCK ©

Top Experiences

Kefallonia’s Great Outdoors

Kefallonia is a paradise for lovers of the great outdoors. Paddle kayaks between white-sand beaches lapped by gentle seas that glow with an unnatural luminosity; explore pretty villages surrounded by vineyards and olive groves; scuba-dive in crystal clear waters blushing with fish and hike up mountains that spiral high into the sky. Kayaking, diving, hiking, sailing, horse-riding. You name it and Kefallonia does it. And best of all it remains remarkably unflustered by tourism.

LORENZO TAZZIOLI/500PX ©

Need to Know

For more information, see Survival Guide

Currency

Euro (€)

Language

Greek

Visas

Generally not required for stays of up to 90 days; however, travellers from some nations may require a visa, so double-check with the Greek embassy.

Money

Debit and credit cards are accepted in cities, but elsewhere it’s handy to have cash. Most towns have ATMs, but they may be out of order.

Mobile Phones

Local SIM cards can be used in unlocked phones. Most other phones can be set to roaming. US and Canadian phones need to have a dual- or tri-band system.

Time

Eastern European Time (GMT/UTC plus two hours)

When to Go

High Season (Jun–Aug)

A Sights, tours and transport are running full tilt.

A Accommodation prices can double.

A Crowds swell and temperatures soar.

Shoulder (Apr & May, Sep & Oct)

A Accommodation prices can drop by up to 20%.

A Temperatures are not as blazing.

A Internal flights and island ferries have reduced schedules.

Low Season (Nov–Mar)

A Many islands shut up their tourist infrastructure and ferry schedules are skeletal.

A Accommodation rates can drop by as much as 50%.

A Expect chilly, wet weather; Athens and Crete may even see snow.

Useful Websites

EOT (Greek National Tourist Organisation; www.visitgreece.gr) Concise tourist information.

Greeka (www.greeka.com) Plenty of planning advice, photos and booking services.

Greek Travel Pages (www.gtp.gr) Access to ferry schedules and accommodation.

Lonely Planet (www.lonelyplanet.com/greece) Destination information, hotel bookings, traveller forum and more.

Ministry of Culture (www.culture.gr) For cultural events and sights.

Odysseus (http://odysseus.culture.gr) Portal for info on ancient sites and for booking tickets.

Important Numbers

In Greece, the area code must be dialled for ordinary numbers, meaning you always dial the full 10-digit telephone number. Emergency numbers are shorter, as detailed in the table below.

Exchange Rates

For current exchange rates see www.xe.com.

Daily Costs

Budget: Less than €100

A Dorm bed and domatio (Greek B&B): less than €60

A Meal at markets and street stalls: less than €15

Midrange: €100–180

A Double room in midrange hotel: €60–150

A Hearty meal at a local taverna: around €20

A Entrance fee for most sights: less than €15

Top End: More than €180

A Double room in top hotel: from €150

A Excellent dining, some accompanied by Michelin stars: €60–100

A Activity such as diving certification: around €400

A Cocktail: around €12

Opening Hours

The following are high-season hours; hours decrease significantly for shoulder and low seasons, and some places close completely.

Banks 8.30am–2.30pm Monday to Thursday, 8am–2pm Friday

Restaurants 11am–11pm

Cafes 10am–midnight

Bars 8pm–late

Clubs 10pm–4am

Post Offices 7.30am–2pm Monday to Friday (rural); 7.30am–8pm Monday to Friday, 7.30am–2pm Saturday (urban)

Shops 8am–2pm Monday, Wednesday and Saturday; 8am–2pm and 5pm–9pm Tuesday, Thursday and Friday

Arriving in Greece

Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (Athens) Express buses (€6, one hour) operate 24 hours between the airport, city centre and Piraeus. Half-hourly metro trains (€10, 50 minutes) run between the city centre and the airport from 5.30am to 11.30pm. Taxis to the city centre cost €38 (€50 at night) and take about 45 minutes.

Makedonia International Airport (Thessaloniki) Buses X1, N1, 45 & 79 (€2, 50 minutes) connect to the city every half hour around the clock. Taxis to the city centre cost €30.

Nikos Kazantzakis International Airport (Iraklio, Crete) Buses run to the city centre from 6am to midnight (€1.20, every 15 minutes). Taxis to the city centre cost €15.

Diagoras Airport (Rhodes) Buses run to Rhodes Town from 6.40am to 11.15pm (€2.60, 25 minutes). Taxis cost €25.

Getting Around

Air Domestic flights are abundant. In high season, flights fill up fast so book ahead.

Boat Ferries, including catamarans, well-equipped modern ferries and overnight boats with cabins, link the islands to each other and the mainland. Schedules change annually and can be announced as late as May. In high season it’s smart to book ahead.

Bus Generally air-conditioned, frequent, and as efficient as traffic allows; good for travel between major cities.

Car & Motorcycle Rentals are reasonably priced and found on all but the tiniest islands. They give you the freedom to explore the islands, but some islands are becoming overrun with hire vehicles.

For much more, see Getting Around

First Time Greece

For more information, see Survival Guide

Checklist

A Check your passport is valid for at least six months past your arrival date.

A Make reservations for accommodation and travel, especially in high season.

A Check airline baggage restrictions, including for regional flights.

A Inform credit-/debit-card company of your travel plans.

A Organise travel insurance.

A Check if you’ll be able to use your mobile (cell) phone.

What to Pack

A International driving licence, if you don’t hold an EU one

A Phrasebook

A Diving qualifications

A Phone charger

A Power adaptor

A Lock/padlock

A Lightweight raincoat

A Seasickness remedies for ferry trips

A Mosquito repellent

A Swimwear, snorkel and fins

A Clothes pegs and laundry line

Top Tips for Your Trip

A In late spring or early autumn the weather is softer and the crowds are smaller.

A Visit a few out-of-the-way villages to find traditional culture. Rent a car and explore. Stop for lunch, check out the local shops and test out your Greek.

A Go slowly. Greece’s infrastructure doesn’t befit a fast-paced itinerary. Visit fewer places for longer.

A Many sites (including the ancient sites in Athens) offer free entry on the first Sunday of the month, except in July and August.

What to Wear

Athenians are well groomed and the younger crowd is trendy, so keep your most stylish clothes for the city. Nevertheless, in Athens and other big cities such as Rhodes and Iraklio, you’ll get away with shorts or jeans and casual tops. Bars or high-end restaurants require more effort – the scene is fashionable rather than dressy. Think tops and trousers rather than T-shirts and cut-offs. In out-of-the-way places you can wear casual clothing; in summer, the heat will make you want to run naked so bring things such as quick-drying tank tops and cool dresses. Sturdy walking shoes are a must for the cobbled roads and ruins.

Sleeping

If travelling in high season, reserve accommodation well in advance. Many hotels on islands are closed during winter.

Hotels Greece ranks all accommodation from one to five stars depending on how they meet ‘minimum standards’ (this includes allowances for guests in wheelchairs). As such, the stars may reflect the services offered, rather than quality.

Domatia The Greek equivalent of the British B&B, minus the breakfast. Many have equipped kitchens.

Campgrounds Found in the majority of regions and islands and often include hot showers, communal kitchens, restaurants and swimming pools.

Money

ATMs are widespread in tourist areas, and can usually be found in most towns large enough to support a bank. Most are compatible with MasterCard or Visa, while Cirrus and Maestro users can make withdrawals in major towns and tourist areas. If travelling to smaller islands, you may want to take a backup supply of cash, as many ATMs can lose their connection or (in remote areas) run out of cash at the end of the day!

It’s always wise to notify your bank of your travel plans before you leave, to avoid them blocking the card as an antifraud measure after your first withdrawal abroad.

Bargaining

Bargaining is acceptable in flea markets and markets, but elsewhere you are expected to pay the stated price.

Tipping

Restaurants Tipping is not traditionally the culture in Greece, though it is appreciated. Locals tend to leave a few coins. Depending on where you are, you can round it up or leave around 10%.

Taxis Round up the fare. There’s a small fee for handling bags; this is an official charge, not a tip.

Bellhops Bellhops in hotels appreciate a small gratuity of around €1.

Language

Tourism is big business in Greece and being good businesspeople, many Greeks have learned the tools of the trade: English. In cities and popular towns, you can get by with less than a smattering of Greek; in smaller villages or out-of-the-way islands and destinations, a few phrases in Greek will go a long way. Wherever you are, Greeks will hugely appreciate your efforts to speak their language.

Etiquette

Eating Meals are commonly laid in the table centre and shared. Always accept a drink offer as it’s a show of goodwill. Don’t insist on paying if invited out; it insults your hosts. In restaurants, service might feel slow; dining is a drawn-out experience and it’s impolite to rush waitstaff.

Photography In churches, avoid using a flash or photographing the main altar, which is considered taboo. At archaeological sites, you’ll be stopped from using a tripod which marks you as a professional and thereby requires special permissions.

Places of worship If you visit churches, cover up with a shawl or long sleeves and a long skirt or trousers to show respect. Some places will deny admission if you’re showing too much skin.

Body language ‘Yes’ is a swing of the head and ‘no’ is a curt raising of the head or eyebrows, often accompanied by a ‘ts’ click-of-the-tongue.

What’s New

Greece may be a destination packed with ancient sites but that doesn’t mean it’s stuck in the past. From new and expanded museums in Athens and elsewhere, to vegan eats on Mykonos and alternative tourism initiatives in the Dodecanese, there’s plenty of new stuff going on across the country to impress first-time and repeat visitors alike.

Wine Tourism

Greece’s ancient tradition of winemaking is being increasingly celebrated in many of the country’s great wine regions. Check out Evia’s wineries, Greece’s largest organic winery Domaine Porto Carras in Macedonia’s Sithonian Peninsula, Manousakis Winery on Crete, and the Paneri Winery on Skyros.

Archaeological Museum

Reopened after many years of restoration, this Corfu Town institution houses a fine collection including a massive gorgon pediment from the Temple of Artemis.

Acropolis Museum

A new section of the museum provides access to 4000 sq metres of archaeological excavations beneath the building so you can see up close the remains of an ancient Athenian neighbourhood.

Basil & Elise Goulandris Foundation

Works by leading Greek artists share wall space with the likes of Van Gogh and Picasso at this new museum that houses a top flight private collection.

Local tourism in the Dodecanese

On Kastellorizo, Kalymnos and Nisyros, new businesses run by passionate, younger locals are offering some great cultural and alternative experiences, other than those for which the islands might be known.

LOCAL KNOWLEDGE

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN GREECE

Simon Richmond, Lonely Planet writer

A decade on from the economic crisis that forced Greece to implement severe austerity in exchange for remaining within the European Union (EU), the country appears to be turning a corner. There’s a long way to go to full recovery, but key economic indicators are looking positive, with tourism, in particular, going gangbusters – a record 33 million people visited the country in 2018, making Greece one of the most popular destinations in the world. The downside is that Greece’s loveliest and most iconic locations are also now struggling with the scourge of overtourism.

For Santorini, in particular, the exponential growth in visitor numbers (in peak season anywhere between 10,000 and 18,000 people a day were disembarking mammoth cruise ships for tours of the island) has created havoc. The island’s electricity and water supply resources have been pushed to their limits, while the amount of rubbish generated over the last five years has doubled. In 2019 Santorini capped daily cruise ship passenger arrivals at 8000.

Vegan Mykonos

This Cyclades hot spot for hedonistic partying is also developing into a haven for vegetable lovers, with vegan menus being offered by the likes of Reeza, Bowl and Nice n Easy.

Casa Romana

Also recently reopened this archaeological site provides enormous insight into how a wealthy Koan official and his family lived.

Cultural and Conference Center of Heraklion

This new facility is Crete’s most important cultural and events venue and includes a gorgeous 800-seat auditorium hosting a variety of performances.

Thessaloniki Street Food Festival

Gorge of a smorgasbord of global street food at this three-day celebration held outside the Macedonian Museum of Contemporary Art.

Atlantis Oia

The first diving outfit in Greece to be part of Cousteau Divers is committed to marine conservation and is campaigning to create a protected marine reserve around Santorini.

Chios Mastic Museum

This imaginatively designed museum has its own mastic garden and a good souvenir shop for the island’s premier export.

LISTEN, WATCH AND FOLLOW

For inspiration and up-to-date news, visit www.lonelyplanet.com/greece/travel-tips- and-articles.

Rembetika: Songs of the Greek Underground 1925–1947 Classic songs still performed in the country’s bars and clubs.

Ekathimerini.com (www.ekathimerini.com) English-language edition of daily Greek newspaper Kathimerini.

Greek to Me (Mary Norris; 2019) Passionate Hellenophile and New Yorker magazine copy-editor on her love of the Greek language and travels in the country.

FAST FACTS

Food trend Gourmet souvlaki

National drink Ouzo

Number of refugees 67,100

Population 11.2 million

Museum of Ancient Eleutherna

This modern facility exhibits treasures unearthed from the ruins of Eleutherna on Crete with pieces from the early Iron Age to the Byzantine eras.

If You Like…

Ancient History

Ancient Agora Athens’ civic, political and commercial centre in ancient times, beautifully preserved.

Ancient Thira Largely intact remains of a phenomenal ancient city in a stupendous mountaintop location overlooking Santorini.

Epidavros Catch a starlit performance from the well-worn stone seats at this ancient theatre amid pine-clad hills.

Kos Town Explore the once-impregnable Castle of the Knights, check out 3rd-century-AD mosaics and rest under the plane tree where Hippocrates taught his students.

Ancient Olympia A World Heritage–listed sanctuary to sporting glory, these 3000 year old ruins hosted the original Olympic Games.

Knossos Crete’s marquee Minoan site; ideally paired with Heraklion Archaeological Museum

Arts & Crafts

Art Space Showcasing top current artists, this atmospheric gallery is housed in the wine caverns of one of Santorini’s oldest vineyards

Museum of Islamic Art Mesmerising collection of over 8000 pieces of Islamic art, from tiles to carvings and prayer rugs.

Fish & Olive In the heart of Naxos, this gallery showcases ceramics by renowned local artists Katharina Bolesch and Alexander Reichardt.

Corfu Museum of Asian Art This amazing collection ranges from prehistoric bronzes to Graeco-Buddhist figures and Japanese Noh masks.

Silversmithing Museum In Ioannina this museum focuses on a beautiful craft that made the city famous.

Corfu Museum of Asian Art, Corfu Town | USER_WITH_DSLR/GETTY IMAGES ©

Museums

Heraklion Archaeological Museum Most famous for its Minoan collection, including the gob-smacking frescoes from Knossos.

Acropolis Museum Sculptures and other finds from the Acropolis shine in this spacious, superbly designed gem.

Andros Archaeological Museum Holds an exquisite 2nd-century BC marble copy of the bronze Hermes of Andros by Praxiteles.

Chios Mastic Museum State of the art hilltop museum documenting the cultivation of the mastic tree and the processing of its resin.

Olympia Archaeological Museum Votive offerings and sublime sculptures from the sacred site of the Games; one of Greece’s top archaeological ensembles.

Delphi Archaeological Museum Extraordinary ancient treasures from the wonderful archaeological site alongside.

Beaches

Elafonisi Turquoise water and long pink sand dunes await sun worshippers on Crete’s southwest coast.

Sithonian Peninsula Dirt roads lead to pretty, sandy bays backed by friendly tavernas and guesthouses.

Loutra Edipsou At this truly therapeutic beach the bay is fed by warm, thermal sulphur water.

Santorini Beautiful beaches of red and black volcanic sand are easily reached and surprisingly quiet.

Myrtos Beach Scrappy car park aside this strip of sand on Kefallonia is breathtakingly beautiful.

Religious Buildings

Moni Hozoviotissis This 1017 monastery clings to a cliff face high above the pounding sea.

Prodromos Monastery Hike the Menalon trail to this memorable monastery that clings to the cliffs like a swallow’s nest.

St George’s Cathedral One of the country’s most significant Catholic churches, a legacy of the Venetian occupation.

Moni Dochiariou One of Mt Athos’ most elegant and revered monasteries; beautiful buildings and glittering frescoes.

Church of Panagia Kera This tiny triple-aisled church shelters Crete’s best-preserved Byzantine frescoes.

Moni Hozoviotissis, Amorgos | GIOVANNI RINALDI/GETTY IMAGES ©

The Great Outdoors

Samaria Gorge Hike this spectacular gorge in Crete; its nearby cousins, the Imbros and Agia Irini Gorges, are equally breathtaking and less crowded.

Mt Olympus Follow ancient trails up thickly forested slopes towards the cloud-covered peak, once the lair of the Ancient Greek pantheon.

Pelion Peninsula Donkey trails zigzag over rolling, forested hills to quiet, sandy coves and quaint villages.

Homer’s Ithaki Hike through dramatic island scenery and past archaeological sites in Odysseus’ homeland.

Skopelos Wander deep into pine forests, through olive groves and clifftop plum and almond orchards.

Month by Month

TOP EVENTS

Carnival, February

Orthodox Easter, April or May

Athens & Epidaurus Festival, June to August

August Moon Festival, August

Thessaloniki International Film Festival, November

January

Most islands go into hibernation during winter. However, the capital and surrounding mainland welcome visitors with festivals that aren’t really aimed at tourists. Expect local insight and warmth from hospitality (rather than the sun).

z Feast of Agios Vasilios (St Basil)

The first day of January sees a busy church ceremony followed by gifts, singing, dancing and feasting. The vasilopita (golden glazed cake for New Year’s Eve) is cut; if you’re fortunate enough to get the slice containing a coin, you’ll supposedly have a lucky year.

z Epiphany (Blessing of the Waters)

The day of Christ’s baptism by St John is celebrated throughout Greece on 6 January. Seas, lakes and rivers are all blessed, with the largest ceremony being held at Piraeus.

Blessing of the Waters, Thessaloniki | VASILIS VERVERIDIS/ALAMY STOCK PHOTO ©

z Gynaikokratia

The villages of the prefectures of Rodopi, Kilkis and Seres in northern Greece hold a day of role reversal on 8 January. Women spend the day in kafeneia (coffee houses) while the men stay at home to do the housework.

February

While February is an unlikely time to head to Greece, if you like a party and can time your visit with Carnival, which starts three weeks before Lent, it’s well worth it.

z Carnival Season

Minor events from as early as late February lead to a wild weekend of costume parades, floats, feasting and traditional dancing. There are regional variations: Patra’s Carnival is the largest, while Skyros features men and their male ‘brides’ dressed in goatskins.

March

The islands are sleepy but the weather is warming up, making March a relaxed time to visit. Although the national calendar is quiet, there are countless religious festivals celebrated with great gusto in towns.

z Clean Monday (Shrove Monday)

On the first day of Lent (a day which is referred to as Kathara Deftera), people take to the hills throughout Greece to enjoy picnicking and kite-flying.

z Independence Day

The anniversary of the hoisting of the Greek flag by independence supporters at Moni Agias Lavras is celebrated with parades and dancing on 25 March. This act of revolt marked the start of the War of Independence.

Independence Day parade | DE VISU/SHUTTERSTOCK ©

April

A great month to visit with the scent of orange blossom heavy in the air. Easter weekend is busy with vacationing Greeks; reserve accommodation well in advance. Some businesses shut up shop for the week.

z Orthodox Easter

Communities commemorate Jesus’ crucifixion with candlelight processions on Good Friday and celebrate his resurrection at midnight on Easter Saturday. Feasting follows on Easter Sunday.

z Festival of Agios Georgios (St George)

The feast day of Greece’s patron saint is celebrated on 23 April, but if this falls during Lent then it moves to the first Tuesday following Easter. Expect dancing, feasting and a general party atmosphere, particular in Arahova, near Delphi.

May

If you’re planning to go hiking, May is a great time to hit Greece’s trails. Temperatures are relatively mild and wildflowers create a huge splash of colour. Local produce fills Greek kitchens.

z May Day

The first of May is marked by a mass exodus from towns for picnics in the country. Wildflowers are gathered and made into wreaths to decorate houses. It’s a day associated with workers’ rights, so recent years have also seen mass walkouts and strikes.

z Naxos Festivals

Between May and September various festivals take place on Naxos. Classical concerts are held in the Venetian kastro, art exhibitions are staged at the Bazeos Tower and celebrations of traditional food and music are held in several different venues.

June

For festival-goers looking for contemporary acts rather than traditional village parties, June is hopping on the mainland. Top national and international performers fill atmospheric stages with dance, music and drama.

z Navy Week

Celebrating their long relationship with the sea, fishing villages and ports throughout the country host historical reenactments and parties in early June.

3 Nafplion Festival

Featuring Greek and international performers, this classical-music festival, which falls at the end of the month, uses Nafplion’s Palamidi fortress as one of its concert venues.

z Feast of St John the Baptist

The country is ablaze with bonfires on 24 June as Greeks light up the wreaths they made on May Day.

3 Athens & Epidaurus Festival

The most prominent Greek summer festival features local and international music, dance and drama at the ancient Odeon of Herodes Atticus on the slopes of the Acropolis in Athens and the world-famous Theatre of Epidavros in the Peloponnese. Events run from June to August.

z Miaoulia Festival

Hydra ignites in celebration of Admiral Miaoulis and the Hydriot contribution to the War of Independence. Witness a spectacular boat burning, fireworks, boat racing and folk dancing, usually held the third weekend of June.

Miaoulia Festival, Hydra | KONSTANTINOS SYNGIRIDIS/ALAMY STOCK PHOTO ©

3 Delphi Festival

With events scheduled for both June and August this cultural festival includes musical and theatrical events in a variety of spaces in and around Delphi and Dorida. See www.delphifestival.gr for details.

July

Guaranteed sunshine as temperatures soar and life buzzes on the islands’ beaches. Outdoor cinemas and giant beach clubs draw visitors to Athens’ nightlife.

3 Rockwave Festival

Rockwave has major international artists (with an emphasis on metal, most years) and is held over several weekends at Terra Vibe, a parkland venue on the outskirts of Athens in Malakasa.

3 Skopelos Rembetika Festival

Held in Skopelos Town in mid-July this musical jamboree is a three-day showcase for local folk blues musicians.

August

Respect the high heat of August – do a little bit less and relax a little more fully. If you’re travelling mid-month, reserve well ahead as Greeks take to the roads and boats in large numbers.

z August Moon Festival

Under the year’s brightest moon, historical venues in Athens open with free moonlit performances. Watch theatre, dance and music at venues such as the Acropolis or Roman Agora. The festival is also celebrated at other towns and sites around Greece; check locally for details.

z Feast of the Dormition

Also called Assumption and celebrated with family reunions on 15 August; the whole population is seemingly on the move on either side of the big day. Thousands also make a pilgrimage to Tinos to its miracle-working icon of Panagia Evangelistria.

z XLSIOR

One of the LGBT+ pride season’s biggest party event is this week-long festival held on Mykonos at the end of the month. See https://xlsiorfestival.com for the full line up.

6 Wine & Culture Festival

Held at Evia’s coastal town of Karystos during the last week of August and the first week of September, this festival includes theatre, traditional dancing, music and visual-art exhibits as well as a sampling of every local wine imaginable.

September

The sun is high though less and less blazing, especially on the islands. The crowds begin to thin and some ferry schedules begin to decline mid-month. Fresh figs and grapes are in season and plentiful.

z Gennisis Tis Panagias

The birthday of the Virgin Mary is celebrated throughout the country on 8 September with religious services and feasting.

October

While most of the islands start to quieten down, the sunny weather often holds in October. City life continues apace.

z Ohi Day

A simple ‘no’ (ohi in Greek) was Prime Minister Metaxas’ famous response when Mussolini demanded free passage through Greece for his troops on 28 October 1940. The date is now a major national holiday with remembrance services, parades, feasting and dance.

November

Autumn sees temperatures drop. Olive-picking is in full swing in places such as Crete and feta production picks up, giving you the opportunity to taste some seriously fresh cheese.

3 Thessaloniki International Film Festival

Around 150 films are crammed into 11 days of screenings around the city in mid-November, along-side concerts, exhibitions, talks and theatrical performances.

2 Leonidio Climbing Festival

Climbers descend on this eastern Peloponnesian town in early November to scale the impressive cliffs of the Badron Gorge. See www.climbinleonidio.com.

December

The islands may be quiet but Athens and Thessaloniki are still in full swing. Expect cooler temperatures and a chilly sea. With fewer tourists, you’re likely to meet more locals and not have to push through crowds at the major sights.

z Christmas

Celebrated on 25 December and traditionally marking the end of a 40-day fast. Expect to see Christmas trees, fishing boats decorated with lights and children carolling. Families gather for a Christmas Day feast including a roasted hog and honey cookies.

Plan Your Trip

Itineraries

The Grand Tour

2 WEEKS

First trip to Greece? Here’s a mixed bag of the country’s top sights, most beautiful beaches, cultural highs, contemporary cities and laid-back island life.

Begin in Athens, visiting ancient sites, museums and markets, and sampling the contemporary-art scene and award-winning restaurants. Catch a ferry to chic Mykonos, with its fashionable bars and crowd-pleasing beaches. Day-trip to the sacred island of Delos for its fascinating ancient ruins. Hop a ferry to spectacular Santorini to watch the sun sink from the dramatic cliffs of its volcanic caldera.

Depending on your time, take a ferry or a flight to Iraklio, Crete’s vibrant capital. Explore the magnificent Minoan ruins of Knossos. Continue to Hania with its charming harbour and labyrinth of backstreets, then go trekking through the famous Samaria Gorge, which spills out on to a beach lapped by the crystal-clear Libyan Sea.

Fly from Iraklio to Thessaloniki to lose yourself in Ottoman-style architecture, Turkish sweets and a vibrant arts scene. Scale Mt Olympus (2918m), Greece’s highest peak, then visit the monasteries of Meteora, perched high on narrow pinnacles of rock. The final stop, before returining to Athens, is Ancient Delphi, former home of the mysterious Delphic oracle.

Statues of Cleopatra and Dioscorides, Ancient Delos | JON DAVISON/LONELY PLANET ©

Itineraries

Ionians & the Peloponnese

3 WEEKS

A tour of the Ionian Islands and the neighbouring Peloponnesian peninsula delivers beautiful medieval towns, ancient historic sights, dramatic scenery and some great outdoor activities.

Begin on Corfu, spending a couple of days wandering through the amazing blend of Italian, French and British architecture in Corfu’s Old Town, indulging in gourmet cuisine, exploring picturesque coastal villages and lounging on sandy beaches. Corfu is also great for windsurfing, or biking in the mountainous interior.

Hop across to Igoumenitsa on the mainland, and travel down to Lefkada where Lefkada Town is a charming place to spend a day or two, or you could head to villages in the mountainous interior. It’s a short ferry ride from here to Kefallonia. Visit the picturesque village of Fiskardo, kayak to isolated beaches and sample the island’s local wine.

If you have your own transport then you could use the ferry (mid-May to October) from Pesada to Agios Nikolaos on Zakynthos. Otherwise it’s easier and cheaper to cross to mainland Kyllini and reach historic Zakynthos Town from there.

Return to Kyllini and make your way inland to Ancient Olympia where you can stand in the stadium that hosted the first Olympic Games. Stay overnight in the town and take in some of the excellent museums. Head south to the captivating World Heritage–listed ruins of Mystras. This massive ancient fortress town was the last stronghold of the Byzantine Empire.

If you have time and your own wheels to explore, continue south to the rugged Mani region, superb for hiking. Otherwise, head north to graceful Nafplio with its mansions, museums and lively port. From here, it’s easy to do day trips to the impressive acropolis at Tiryns and the citadel of Ancient Mycenae. East of here is the ancient theatre of Epidavros, where it’s well worth taking in some starlit classical performances. Then hop on a ferry from nearby Methana to end your journey in Athens.

Port at Nafplio | OLGA KOT PHOTO/SHUTTERSTOCK ©

Itineraries

Crete & the Dodecanese

4 WEEKS

Eastern Crete offers a tranquil side of the island with relaxed resorts and impressive sights. From here it’s a short hop to the neighbouring Dodecanese, with their wealth of culture and speedy catamaran services that make island hopping a breeze.

Begin in Iraklio, taking in the excellent archaeological museum. Make a day trip to the captivating Minoan ruins of Knossos before sampling fine vintages in the Iraklio Wine Country, a mosaic of shapely hills, sun-baked slopes and lush valleys.

From Iraklio head east along the northern coast to the relaxed resort town of Agios Nikolaos, which radiates charm and chilled ambience. This makes a great base for exploring the surrounding region. Explore the massive Venetian fortress on Spinalonga Island, a leper colony until 1957 and just a short ferry ride across the Gulf of Mirabello. Visit the surrounding Minoan ruins, such as the Palace of Malia, still filled with mysteries, and rent a bike to explore the tranquil villages of the fertile Lasithi Plateau, lying snugly between mountain ranges and home to Zeus’ birthplace.

Continue on to Sitia, from where you can head for the clear water and white sand of Vaï, Europe’s only natural palm-forest beach. You can also head south from here to Zakros to hike through the dramatic, cave-honeycombed Zakros Gorge to Kato Zakros and its Minoan palace.

From Sitia, get settled on a twice-weekly, 12-hour ferry ride to Rhodes. Spend a couple of days exploring the atmospheric, walled medieval Old Town and checking out its burgeoning nightlife. Visit some of the surrounding beaches and stunning Acropolis of Lindos. Catch a catamaran to lush Nisyros to explore atop the alarmingly thin crust of its caldera and then carry on to Kos to spend a couple of days on gorgeous, sandy Kefalos Bay and to sip coffee and cocktails in Kos Town’s lively squares. There still may be time to squeeze in a quick trip to Patmos to experience its artistic and religious vibe, and to visit the cave where St John wrote the Book of Revelations, before backtracking to Kos from where you can catch onward flights to Athens.

Plan Your Trip

Island Hopping

Whether you’re sailing into a colourful harbour, listening to the pounding surf on a sun-drenched deck, or flying over azure waters in a propeller-driven plane, you’ll be filled with a sense of adventure. In Greece, getting there is half the fun and island hopping remains an essential part of the experience.

Island Highlights

Best for Culture

Delos A stunning archaeological site.

Rhodes Explore the (literally) multilayered history of the Old Town.

Patmos See the cave where St John wrote the Book of Revelations.

Best for Low Season

Hydra Escape from Athens.

Corfu Venetian and French architecture.

Amorgos Hike the rugged trails.

Best for Drinking & Dining

Ikaria Have your fill of fresh lobster.

Crete Savour herb-rich Cretan specialities.

Samos Sample the famous sweet wine.

Best for Outdoors

Kefallonia Kayak to a remote cove or beach.

Lesvos Hike in a 20-million-year-old petrified forest.

Kos Ride bikes to long stretches of sand.

Planning Essentials

While the local laissez-faire attitude is worth emulating while island hopping, a little bit of planning can take you a long way. Deciding where and when you want to go and getting your head around routes and schedules before you go will take the work out of your holiday.

Be Flexible Your travels will be that much more enjoyable when you leave wiggle room in your itinerary. Transportation schedules are always vulnerable to change. Everything from windy weather to striking workers mean planes and boats are regularly subject to delays and cancellations at short notice.

Double check timetables Ferry and airline timetables change from year to year and season to season, with ferry companies often being awarded contracts to operate different routes annually. When island hopping, it’s important to remember that no timetable is iron-clad.

Fast ferries are not always best Fast ferries have a reputation for lateness, because if they are late to one place, particularly in high season, things tend to snowball. Santorini and Naxos can be particularly bad because of congestion at their ports.

Consider local boats Planning websites never cover absolutely every ferry or boat service. While you don’t want to rely on it, be aware that there may also be local boats shuttling between islands, including day excursion boats that may work for your itinerary. Check with contacts on an island (the hotel where you are staying for example) for up-to-date information.

When to Go

High Season

A Lots of ferries and transport links but book ahead.

A Water temperature is warm enough for swimming.

A The meltemi (dry northerly wind) blows south across the Aegean, sometimes playing havoc with ferry schedules.

Shoulder Season

A Transport is less frequent but still connects most destinations.

A Water temperature is still warm in September and early October, so great for diving.

A The best time for sea-life spotting begins in May and runs through to September.

Low Season

A Planning ahead is essential as transportation can be limited.

A Swimming in the sea is only for those immune to cold water.

A Most businesses offering water sports are closed for the winter.

GETTING YOUR SEA LEGS

Even those with the sturdiest stomachs can feel seasick when a boat hits rough weather. Here are a few tips to calm your tummy.

A Gaze at the horizon, not the sea. Don’t read or stare at objects that your mind will assume are stable.

A Drink plenty and eat lightly. Many people claim ginger biscuits and ginger tea settle the stomach.

A Don’t use binoculars.

A Sit towards the back of the boat, this is marginally more stable.

A If possible stay in the fresh air – don’t go below deck and avoid hydrofoils where you are trapped indoors.

A Try to keep your mind occupied.

A If you know you’re prone to seasickness, take seasickness medication and/or invest in acupressure wristbands before you leave.

Travelling by Sea

With a network covering every inhabited island, the Greek ferry system is vast and varied. The slow rust buckets that used to ply the seas are nearly a thing of the past. You’ll still find slow boats, but high-speed ferries are increasingly common and cover most of the popular routes. Local ferries, excursion boats and tiny, private fishing boats called caïques often connect neighbouring islands and islets. You’ll also find water taxis that will take you to isolated beaches and coves. At the other end of the spectrum, hydrofoils and catamarans can drastically reduce travel time. Hydrofoils have seen their heyday but continue to link some of the more remote islands and island groups. Catamarans have taken to the sea in a big way, offering more comfort and coping better with poor weather conditions.

For long-haul ferry travel, it’s still possible to board one of the slow boats chugging between the islands and to curl up on deck in your sleeping bag to save a night’s accommodation. Nevertheless, Greece’s domestic ferry scene has undergone a radical transformation in the past decade and these days you can also travel in serious comfort and at a decent speed. Of course, the trade-off is that long-haul sea travel can be quite expensive. A bed for the night in a cabin from Piraeus to Rhodes can be more expensive than a discounted airline ticket.

Ticketing

As ferries are prone to delays and cancellations, for short trips it’s often best not to purchase a ticket until it has been confirmed that the ferry is leaving. During high season, or if you need to reserve a car space, you should book in advance. High-speed boats such as catamarans tend to sell out long before the slow chuggers. For overnight ferries it’s always best to book in advance, particularly if you want a cabin or particular type of accommodation. If a service is cancelled you can usually transfer your ticket to the next available service with that company.

Many ferry companies have online booking services or you can purchase tickets from their local offices and most travel agents in Greece. Agencies selling tickets line the waterfront of most ports, but rarely is there one that sells tickets for every boat, and often an agency is reluctant to give you information about a boat it doesn’t sell tickets for. Most have timetables displayed outside; check these for the next departing boat or ask the limenarhio (port police).

Fares

Ferry prices are determined by the distance of the destination from the port of origin, and the type of boat. The small differences in price you may find at ticket agencies are the results of some agencies sacrificing part of their designated commission to qualify as a ‘discount service’. (The discount is seldom more than €0.50.)

High-speed ferries and hydrofoils cost about 20% more than traditional ferries, while catamarans are often 30% to 100% more expensive than their slower counterparts. Caïques and water taxis are usually very reasonable, while excursion boats can be pricey but useful if you’re trying to reach out-of-the-way islands. Children under five years of age travel for free while those aged between five and 10 are usually half price.

Classes

On smaller boats, hydrofoils and catamarans, there is only one type of ticket available and these