Athens
3 daysGreece's capital and the country's main historical and transportation hub, famous for the Acropolis, Parthenon, ancient ruins and vibrant neighborhoods.
Greece5–21 days
Greece Travel Guide
Plan a Greece trip across Athens, Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, Rhodes and the Greek islands.
Recommended stay
5–21 days
Budget
€60–€100 per person per day
Currency
Euro (€)
Transport
About this destination
Why visit Greece?
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.
When to go
Best time to visit
April to JuneSeptember to OctoberJuly to August for peak beach seasonMay to June for pleasant island weather with fewer crowdsSeptember for warm seas and generally more comfortable sightseeing
Travel budget
What a trip to Greece can cost
Budget
€60–€100 per person per day
Typical estimated spend excluding international flights.
Mid-range
€120–€220 per person per day
Typical estimated spend excluding international flights.
Premium
€300+ per person per day
Typical estimated spend excluding international flights.
Places to explore
Where to go
Santorini
3 daysFamous Cycladic island known for whitewashed villages, caldera views, sunsets, volcanic landscapes and romantic hotels.
Mykonos
2 daysPopular Cycladic island known for beaches, whitewashed architecture, nightlife and cosmopolitan atmosphere.
Crete
4 daysGreece's largest island offering beaches, historic sites, mountains, villages and a diverse food culture.
Rhodes
3 daysLarge island known for medieval architecture, beaches, ancient history and resort towns.
Corfu
3 daysGreen Ionian island combining beaches, Venetian architecture, villages and Mediterranean landscapes.
Meteora
1 daysDramatic rock formations topped by historic monasteries and one of mainland Greece's most distinctive landscapes.
Delphi
1 daysAncient archaeological site in central Greece associated with the Oracle of Delphi.
Suggested route
A day-by-day way to experience it
1
Athens
Arrive in Athens
Arrive in Athens and explore the historic center at an easy pace.
Airport transfer
Plaka
Monastiraki
Acropolis views
2
Athens
Acropolis & Ancient Athens
Explore Athens' major ancient landmarks and historic neighborhoods.
Acropolis
Parthenon
Acropolis Museum
Plaka
3
Santorini
Athens to Santorini
Travel to Santorini and spend the afternoon exploring the island.
Travel to Santorini
Fira
Caldera
Sunset
4
Santorini
Santorini Exploration
Explore Oia, villages and the volcanic landscapes of Santorini.
Oia
Villages
Volcanic beach
Sunset
5
Mykonos
Santorini to Mykonos
Travel by ferry to Mykonos and explore the island's famous town.
Ferry
Mykonos Town
Little Venice
6
Mykonos
Mykonos Beaches
Spend the day exploring Mykonos beaches and coastal areas.
Beach
Mykonos Town
Greek cuisine
7
Athens
Return to Athens
Return to Athens and finish the trip with a relaxed final evening.
Island-to-mainland travel
Syntagma Square
Shopping
Getting around
Transportation
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.
Where to stay
Accommodation options
Hostel
€20–€60 per night
Affordable accommodation available in Athens and popular islands.
Budget Hotel
€50–€110 per night
Simple private accommodation suitable for travelers focused on location and affordability.
Mid-Range Hotel
€100–€220 per night
Comfortable hotels with convenient access to beaches, towns and transportation.
Boutique Island Hotel
€180–€400+ per night
Design-focused properties often offering views, terraces and local character.
Villa
€150–€500+ per night
Private villas are popular on islands and can be useful for families and groups.
Local food
What to eat
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.
Souvlaki
Grilled skewers traditionally made with meat, although vegetarian alternatives may be available.
Greek Yogurt
Thick yogurt often served with honey, fruit or nuts.
Baklava
Sweet pastry made with layers of filo, nuts and syrup.
Before you go
Practical travel tips
Book popular islands early for July and August.
Avoid changing islands every day because ferry connections can consume valuable travel time.
Use ferries for island hopping when schedules and routes are convenient.
Domestic flights can save significant time on longer routes.
Athens deserves at least two full days for a first visit.
Santorini is more about scenery and atmosphere than traditional beach holidays.
Consider Crete or Rhodes if you want a larger island with more variety.
Carry sunscreen and water during summer sightseeing.
Check ferry schedules carefully before planning connections.
Keep some flexibility in island itineraries because ferry schedules can be affected by weather.
For couples, Santorini and smaller Cycladic islands can work well together.
For families, larger islands such as Crete and Rhodes provide more varied activities.
Frequently asked questions
Greece travel FAQ
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 (€).
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ExploreReady to plan Greece?
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