Travel to Greece — everything you need to know
When to go to Greece?
- May – June — Early summer : Perfect for the whole country: sea already warm, moderate crowds, ideal temperatures (24–28 °C). Best period to visit Athens.
- September – October — Late season : Sea still warm, golden light, fewer tourists, lower prices. Ideal for hiking and archaeological sites.
- July – August — Peak summer : Guaranteed sunshine on the islands. Very crowded and hot (32–35 °C). Peak summer vibe in Mykonos and Santorini.
Weather in Greece
Check the weather city by city, starting with Athens.
- Athens: daytime highs from 13 to 36 °C depending on the season, 30 mm of rain per month on average.
- [object Object]: daytime highs from 14 to 30 °C depending on the season, 23 mm of rain per month on average.
- Mykonos: daytime highs from 15 to 28 °C depending on the season, 26 mm of rain per month on average.
- [object Object]: daytime highs from 16 to 33 °C depending on the season, 36 mm of rain per month on average.
- Rhodes: daytime highs from 14 to 38 °C depending on the season, 51 mm of rain per month on average.
What to do in Greece?
Greece is the cradle of Western civilisation. Between the Acropolis of Athens, the monasteries of Meteora, the white-washed Cycladic islands (Santorini, Mykonos) and the crystal-clear beaches of Crete, it combines ancient heritage with Mediterranean beauty.
Athens
One of the oldest cities in the world: the Acropolis and the Parthenon dominate the city, surrounded by bohemian districts (Monastiraki, Psirri) and lively taverns.
Highlights : Acropolis & Parthenon, Acropolis Museum, Ancient Agora, Monastiraki district.
Santorini
The world's most photographed island, with its white houses and blue domes clinging to a volcanic caldera. Legendary sunsets in Oia.
Highlights : Oia village at sunset, Fira — the island's capital, Perissa Beach (black sand), Akrotiri — the Pompeii of the Aegean.
Meteora
Byzantine monasteries perched atop giant rock pillars overlooking the Thessalian plain. A breathtaking landscape and UNESCO site.
Highlights : Varlaam Monastery, Great Meteoron (Transfiguration), Hiking among the rock pillars, Sunset over the monasteries.
Crete
The largest Greek island, with the Minoan palace of Knossos, the Samaria Gorge (the longest in Europe) and dream beaches like Elafonissi.
Highlights : Minoan Palace of Knossos, Samaria Gorge, Elafonissi Beach (pink sand), Old Chania.
Mykonos & the Cyclades
Mykonos is the queen of the Cyclades: white alleys with blue doors, iconic windmills, lively beaches (Paradise, Super Paradise) and some of the most intense nightlife in the Mediterranean. A few hours away by boat, Paros, Naxos and Ios offer a more authentic atmosphere to explore the Cycladic archipelago.
Highlights : Kato Mili windmills — the symbol of Mykonos, Little Venice — houses on the water in the old town, Paradise & Super Paradise Beach — beachside parties, Delos — Apollo's sacred island, UNESCO archaeological site.
Travel budget for Greece
Greece remains affordable despite tourist numbers. Local taverns are excellent and cheap. Santorini and Mykonos are significantly pricier than the rest of the country.
- Backpacker : 50–75 €/j — Hostel + taverna + ferry + bus
- Comfort : 100–160 €/j — Comfortable hotel + restaurants + activities
- Luxury : 350 €+/j — Santorini cave house + fine dining + private tours
Practical tips for travelling to Greece
- Flight from Paris : ~3h30 direct (Aegean Airlines, Air France, easyJet)
- Visa : No visa required (Schengen area)
- Currency : Euro (€) — some islands have few ATMs, keep some cash
- Language : Greek — English common in tourist areas
- Electricity : Type C/F — 230V (same as France)
- Mobile network : European roaming included, network sometimes limited on smaller islands
- Tap water : Drinkable in big cities, bottled water recommended on the islands
- Health : European Health Insurance Card valid
Compare Greece with other destinations