Planning a trip to Greece for this summer?
You will find that there are a bunch of options to consider and many destinations to go.
It means that your planning will be extremely overwhelming and may add some anxiety to get the most out of your trip to Greece.
However, it’s crucial that your planning will be accurate so that you will not just be hanging around but really enjoying your trip to mainland Greece or Greek islands.
So, in this guide we will cover the most important steps you have to follow planning trip to Greece and avoid pitfalls during your time here.
Don’t be afraid or anxious! It is certain that you will have a great time in Greece and there is no case to regret for your summer vacation choice.
Why should you choose a tailored Greek holiday package?
When you plan a trip to Greece, expect to be captivated by the rows and rows of bougainvillea as you meander through narrow streets and squint your eyes at whitewashed buildings reflecting the glow of endless sunshine. With 18 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, you’re spoiled for choice. Explore the mainland and its hilly outcrops or let your wandering feet make their way to the docks to ferry off to one of the nearby islands.
To make your trip worthwhile, it helps to know a few of Greece’s ins and outs.
There is several stunning sightseeing in this country and you should be aware that you will be able to come in close view with some of the best views of your lifetime: warm sunny skies, islands in bluish colors, unique traditional dishes in small restaurants next to the beaches and nice small villages surrounded by exceptional landscapes among seas and mountains.
So, are you still curious why you should plan a trip to Greece for this year?
Is Greece a summer destination?
When you are thinking about Greece, its’ a common sense to think about the breathtaking views of white & blue at Greek islands, turquoise seas, and exceptional beaches.
Greece is well known for the Aegean islands. Some of them, like Mykonos, Santorini etc. are top worldwide destinations and this is a reason to visit Greece in summer.
Summer vacations are popular in Greece and while some might not enjoy the crowds, it’s a good time to immerse yourself in tourist culture and enjoy the vibes, especially the night life. June is one of the warmest months of summer, and you can expect temperatures as high as 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit).
For those who want to beat the crowds and still experience the long, warm days, spring and autumn are terrific. Temperatures can reach as high as 30 degrees Celsius (87 degrees Fahrenheit) on hotter days, however, expect comfortable weather around the 25-degree C (77-degree F) mark during the day.
How to get to Greece?
In most of the times, people visiting Greece are landing to Athens. However, you should be aware that there are also a few other international airports such as Santorini, Corfu, Thessaloniki, Rhodes, etc. Also, Greece is a land with magical seas, and you could arrive to most of its destinations through cruise ships or private yachts!
Best places to go during your Greece vacation
In Greece, you could find some of the most marvelous and interesting places throughout the world.
There are thousands of islands: The Greek islands are a major draw card for tourism, however, only around 200 of them are inhabited. For the romantic, there’s Mykonos and Santorini and for those who want to wander off the beaten path, Tinos and Milos are great options. Access to the islands usually happens by boat or ferry and it’s worth noting that the area that spans the Greek Isles is vast. A journey to the outlying islands can take up to ten hours.
Be aware that there are many places worth visiting in Mainland Greece which is made of beautiful cities and villages placed around exceptional landscapes.
As mentioned above, the most well known islands of Greece is Mykonos and Santorini, belonging in the Cyclades Group of islands and standing above the most preferred summer destinations in the world. Thousands of tourists visit Santorini and Mykonos each year to get a close view of the dreamy sunsets and enjoy unique nightlife and nice tours.
There are also many beautiful islands in the Cyclades Group, such as Naxos, Paros, etc as well as the vast island of Crete which is a very popular place for hopping during the summer months.
A quick vacation is simply not enough to experience all the marvels Greece has to offer and planning a Greek vacation will have to include all the elements you wish to experience. A few must-haves on your list should include:
Athens
A trip to Greece should include the capital Athens, named after the Greek goddess Athena. There is no shortage to historical marvels in this city. From the Acropolis to the Acropolis Museum, Parthenon, Temple of Olympian Zeus, and everything in between, most of these destinations can be visited in a day. There are also religious sites, museums, theaters, and art galleries to consider. For those who want to immerse themselves in local culture, Athens offers a vibrant nightlife that offers a good club scene and for families, a variety of restaurants and child-friendly activities.
Rhodes
A popular tourist destination, Rhodes offers pristine historical architecture and is considered the most popular of the twelve Dodecanese islands. Must-see attractions include the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes and the Monolithos Castle. It also happens to be Greece’s sunniest destination with its 300-plus days of sunshine. Paved streets and a smorgasbord of cuisine keep tourists coming back for more.
Mykonos
It’s a luscious mix of dazzling nightlife and by day, a family-friendly destination filled with beach trips, the picturesque Mykonos town, great shopping locations, and of course, the great weather. There’s a general air of fun and energy, and for those who want to take advantage of the stunning azure waters, a boatload of water sports.
Santorini
It is likely to have seen many photos from Oia or Imerovigli when you are looking for information about Santorini. The Santorini sunset has been a source of inspiration for hundreds of artists around the world.
You will be surprised by the infinite domes that appear in every corner, since in Santorini there are more than 80 churches. It’s amazing that you can discover many places and paths to go through and be amazed by the unique beauty of this world class landscape all over the edges of Santorini Island.
Of course, you can search through the Internet and find a bunch of information about all these islands, but we are here to help you have it all organized and create your summer experience by crafting your own unique customized travel package.
At Be A Greek, we help you create your dream vacation in Greece without any hustle. There are countless ways to plan your vacation in Greece and we are here to provide you some of the best Greece vacation packages, tailored to your own needs and keeping up with you own pace.
You do not need to spend hours looking for all the different destinations in Greece and trying to combine some of them throughout your available days here. We will create your vacation package from scratch and will choose the program corresponding to your own needs and your own preferences. Just drop us a line and we will design your trip to Greece!
How many days should you stay in Greece?
It’s possible to explore the major tourist attractions and still explore an island or two in a week. This gives you enough time to take in the highlights of Greece and still enjoy lazy afternoons on the beach. Stay a bit longer to explore more of the islands and if you want to give mainland a go. Greece also offers great hiking tours, rock climbing, and paragliding if you want to expand activities beyond the beach.
Key Facts to know about Greece
You may have heard of the Hellenic Republic: While Greece is known to foreigners, inhabitants of Greece refer to the country as Hellas. If you refer to Greece as the Hellenic Republic, you wouldn’t be wrong!
Endless summers: Expect balmy summer evenings for most of the year. Greeks enjoy over 200 days of sunshine which is perfect for sunbathing and sightseeing.
You’re vacationing on an active volcano: If Santorini is your destination of choice, you’ll undoubtedly notice the lush landscape thanks to the volcanic soil. The only downside? You have to plan a Greece vacation on an active volcano!
Language
In Greece you will not have a problem to find people speaking English and get in touch with them! The national language is Greek but in the most cases and especially in high traffic islands, you will just be ok in English language. While many Greeks are accustomed to tourists and try to help when there’s a language barrier, knowing a few key phrases and greetings will help you along the way.
So, just try to learn some Greek words like “Kalimera” (Good Morning), “Gia sou” (Hello) etc.
What about money in Greece?
The official currency of Greek state is the Euro. You can of course pay by credit card under almost any circumstances and bring just some cash in case of an emergency.
Why you should consider travel insurance?
Greece is safe even for female travelers looking for an adventure, however, there are incidents of pick pocketing in tourist destinations. Keep your mobile phone and purse out of sight, and don’t leave valuables such as luggage in your hire car. It’s also worth noting that the Greek healthcare system is first class for those with private healthcare, however, the public healthcare system may be a source of concern for travelers. If you need medical attention, you want the assurance of private healthcare.