Athens
3dGreece's capital and the country's main historical and transportation hub, famous for the Acropolis, Parthenon, ancient ruins and vibrant neighborhoods.
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Destination guide
Greece Travel Guide
Plan a Greece trip across Athens, Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, Rhodes and the Greek islands.
Recommended stay
5–21 days
Mid-range budget
€120–€220 per person per day
Currency
Euro (€)
Best time
April to June
Why go
What makes Greece worth the trip?
Greece combines ancient history, Mediterranean beaches, spectacular islands, traditional villages, Greek cuisine and vibrant cities. Athens is the main gateway and cultural starting point, while Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, Rhodes, Corfu and other islands offer very different experiences. This Greece travel guide helps Indian travelers plan itineraries, estimate costs, choose islands, understand transportation, find vegetarian food and build practical multi-city trips.
Acropolis of AthensParthenonAthensSantoriniOiaMykonosCreteRhodes
Places
Best places to visit in Greece
Santorini
3dFamous Cycladic island known for whitewashed villages, caldera views, sunsets, volcanic landscapes and romantic hotels.
Mykonos
2dPopular Cycladic island known for beaches, whitewashed architecture, nightlife and cosmopolitan atmosphere.
Crete
4dGreece's largest island offering beaches, historic sites, mountains, villages and a diverse food culture.
Rhodes
3dLarge island known for medieval architecture, beaches, ancient history and resort towns.
Corfu
3dGreen Ionian island combining beaches, Venetian architecture, villages and Mediterranean landscapes.
Meteora
1dDramatic rock formations topped by historic monasteries and one of mainland Greece's most distinctive landscapes.
Delphi
1dAncient archaeological site in central Greece associated with the Oracle of Delphi.
Routes
Suggested Greece itineraries
7 days
Classic Greece
Athens → Santorini → Mykonos
A classic first-time Greece itinerary combining ancient history with two famous Cycladic islands.
6 days
Athens & Santorini
Athens → Santorini
A compact itinerary suitable for travelers who want a city and island combination.
10 days
Greece Highlights
Athens → Santorini → Mykonos → Crete
A balanced itinerary combining Athens with three very different island experiences.
12 days
Greek Islands
Athens → Santorini → Naxos → Mykonos → Athens
A slower island-hopping route covering famous and more relaxed Cycladic destinations.
14 days
Greece Beyond the Islands
Athens → Delphi → Meteora → Crete → Santorini → Athens
Combines mainland history with Greece's most famous island landscapes.
Questions
Greece travel FAQs
How many days are enough for Greece?
Seven days can cover Athens and one or two islands. Around 10 days allows a more comfortable combination of Athens, Santorini, Mykonos or another island. Two weeks gives enough time to explore additional islands or mainland destinations.
What is the best time to visit Greece?
May, June, September and early October are particularly useful for combining sightseeing and island travel. July and August offer peak summer conditions but are generally busier.
How much does a Greece trip cost from India?
A mid-range 10-day Greece itinerary excluding international flights can commonly cost around €1,200–€2,200 per person, depending heavily on island selection, accommodation and season.
Is Greece good for Indian travelers?
Yes. Greece has extensive tourism infrastructure, good transportation between major destinations and many naturally vegetarian Greek dishes.
Is Greece good for a honeymoon?
Greece is particularly popular for honeymoon trips because of Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, boutique hotels, sunsets and Mediterranean scenery.
Can I travel between Greek islands by ferry?
Yes. Ferries connect many Greek islands, although routes and schedules vary by island and season.
Is vegetarian food available in Greece?
Yes. Greek cuisine includes many vegetarian dishes such as Greek salad, spanakopita, fava and dolmades.
Should I visit Santorini or Mykonos?
Santorini is particularly known for caldera scenery, villages and sunsets, while Mykonos is known for beaches, nightlife and its cosmopolitan atmosphere. Both can be combined on a longer itinerary.
Can I visit Greece without renting a car?
Yes. Athens and popular islands can be explored using public transportation, ferries, taxis and organized tours. A car becomes more useful on larger islands such as Crete.
Can I combine Greece and Italy?
Yes. Greece and Italy can be combined in a longer Mediterranean itinerary, particularly when international flights are arranged as an open-jaw or multi-city trip.
Do Indians need a visa for Greece?
Indian citizens generally need a Schengen visa for tourism unless they qualify for an applicable exemption. Current requirements should be verified before applying.
What currency is used in Greece?
Greece uses the euro (€).
When to go
Best time & weather
March to May
Spring
Mild weather with increasing sunshine and comfortable conditions for Athens and island exploration.
12°C–24°C · Moderate early in spring, decreasing toward summer
June to August
Summer
Hot, sunny and dry across most of Greece, making it the main beach and island season.
25°C–35°C · Low
September to November
Autumn
September remains warm and suitable for beaches, while later autumn becomes cooler and wetter.
15°C–30°C · Increasing through the season
December to February
Winter
Cooler and wetter, particularly in northern Greece, while Athens remains comparatively mild.
5°C–15°C · Moderate to high
Budget
What a trip can cost
Budget
€60–€100 per person per day
Mid-range
€120–€220 per person per day
Premium
€300+ per person per day
flights
Approximately ₹45,000–₹1,00,000+ return from India depending on season, airline and connections.
accommodation
Budget accommodation can start around €30–€70, while mid-range hotels commonly cost €100–€200+ per night.
food
Budget travelers can spend approximately €15–€30 per day, while restaurant dining can increase the cost.
local Transport
Athens public transport is relatively affordable. Island ferries and domestic flights can add significantly to the budget.
sightseeing
Allow approximately €15–€50+ per day depending on archaeological sites, museums, tours and activities.
shopping
Variable depending on souvenirs, local products, jewelry, clothing and Greek handicrafts.
total Budget
A 10-day mid-range Greece itinerary excluding international flights can commonly fall around €1,200–€2,200 per person depending on the islands and accommodation selected.
Practical planning
Stay, eat and move around
Accommodation
- Hostel: Affordable accommodation available in Athens and popular islands. (€20–€60 per night)
- Budget Hotel: Simple private accommodation suitable for travelers focused on location and affordability. (€50–€110 per night)
- Mid-Range Hotel: Comfortable hotels with convenient access to beaches, towns and transportation. (€100–€220 per night)
- Boutique Island Hotel: Design-focused properties often offering views, terraces and local character. (€180–€400+ per night)
Food
- Greek Salad: Classic Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumber, olives, onions and feta.
- Moussaka: Traditional layered Greek dish usually made with eggplant and meat; vegetarian versions are available.
- Spanakopita: Savory pastry filled with spinach and feta cheese.
- Dolmades: Stuffed vine leaves commonly filled with rice, herbs and other ingredients.
- Fava: Creamy split-pea purée traditionally served with olive oil and lemon.
Transport
- Ferries: Ferries connect Athens-area ports with many Greek islands and are an important part of island-hopping itineraries.
- Domestic Flights: Flights are useful for longer island connections and for travelers with limited time.
- Athens Metro: The Athens Metro connects central Athens with important neighborhoods and transport hubs.
- Rental Car: A rental car can be useful on larger islands such as Crete, Rhodes and Corfu.
- Taxis: Taxis are useful for airport transfers, short island journeys and locations without frequent public transportation.
Experiences
Things worth doing
Acropolis at Sunrise
Visit Athens' most famous ancient landmark early in the day before the strongest heat and crowds.
Best for History lovers, First-time visitors, Photography
Santorini Sunset
Watch the sun set over the Aegean from Oia or another caldera viewpoint.
Best for Couples, Honeymooners, Photography
Greek Island Hopping
Travel between islands by ferry and experience different landscapes, beaches and local communities.
Best for Couples, Friends, Backpackers
Traditional Greek Taverna
Enjoy local dishes, salads, pastries and Greek hospitality in a traditional taverna.
Best for Food lovers, Families, Couples
Meteora Monasteries
Explore historic monasteries dramatically positioned on massive rock formations.
Best for History lovers, Photography, Nature lovers
Crete Road Trip
Explore beaches, villages, archaeological sites and mountain landscapes across Crete.
Best for Families, Friends, Road trip travelers
Go further
Add another day or another country
Day trips
- Cape Sounion from Athens: Visit the Temple of Poseidon and enjoy views over the Aegean Sea.
- Delphi from Athens: Explore one of ancient Greece's most important archaeological sites.
- Meteora from Athens: Visit the dramatic monasteries and rock formations of Meteora.
- Hydra from Athens: Escape Athens for a car-free island known for its harbor and relaxed atmosphere.
- Delos from Mykonos: Visit the important archaeological island near Mykonos.
- Akrotiri from Santorini: Explore the archaeological site associated with the ancient settlement of Akrotiri.
Nearby destinations
Italy
Greece and Italy can be combined for a Mediterranean history, food and coastal itinerary.
France
Combine Greece and France for a longer European itinerary covering Paris and the Greek islands.
Turkey
Greece and Turkey can be combined for an eastern Mediterranean trip.
Switzerland
Combine Greece with Switzerland for a Mediterranean and Alpine European itinerary.
Croatia
Greece and Croatia work well for travelers interested in Mediterranean islands and coastline.
Portugal
A longer European trip can combine Greece and Portugal for two very different coastal experiences.
Ready-made itineraries
Choose how much time you have
Make it yours
Use this as a starting point, not a fixed package.
Bring your real dates, budget and travel style into the planner and rebuild the route around what actually works for you.