Greece Travel Guide: Essential Tips

Explore Greece: Tips on Driving, Safety, and Culture

Flag of Greece

Top 10 Most Searched Questions About Greece

The capital of Greece is Athens, known for the Acropolis, Parthenon, and its vibrant Plaka district.

EU citizens don’t need a visa. US, Canadian, and Australian citizens can visit for up to 90 days within a 180-day period visa-free under the Schengen Agreement. Other nationalities should check with the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Greece uses the Euro (€), adopted in 2002. Cards are widely accepted in tourist areas, but cash is useful for smaller transactions, especially on islands.

Yes, Greece is generally safe for tourists. Crime rates are low, but petty theft like pickpocketing can occur in busy areas like Athens’ Monastiraki Square—stay vigilant.

The official language is Greek. English is widely spoken in tourist areas like Athens and Santorini, but less so in rural regions—learning basic Greek phrases can be helpful.

Greece is known for its ancient history (e.g., Acropolis, Delphi), stunning islands like Santorini and Mykonos, Mediterranean cuisine (e.g., moussaka, souvlaki), and cultural traditions like Greek Orthodox Easter celebrations.

Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) are ideal for mild weather and fewer crowds. Summer (July to August) is peak season for islands but can be very hot.

Greece can be affordable, especially on lesser-known islands like Naxos. Popular spots like Santorini are pricier, but budget options like tavernas and ferries help keep costs down.

Tap water is safe in most mainland areas like Athens, but on some islands (e.g., Santorini), bottled water is recommended due to high mineral content.

Top spots include Athens (Acropolis, Parthenon), Santorini (caldera views), Mykonos (beaches, nightlife), Delphi (ancient ruins), Meteora (monasteries), and Crete (Knossos, beaches).

Greece, the cradle of Western civilization, offers a timeless travel experience with its ancient ruins, sun-drenched islands, and warm hospitality. Athens, the capital, is a living museum where the iconic Acropolis and Parthenon stand as testaments to its ancient glory, while the bustling Plaka district offers charming streets filled with tavernas serving souvlaki and tzatziki. Santorini, with its whitewashed villages, blue-domed churches, and dramatic caldera views, is a postcard-perfect destination, especially at sunset in Oia. Mykonos dazzles with its glamorous nightlife, windmills, and pristine beaches like Psarou, while Crete, the largest island, boasts the Minoan Palace of Knossos and stunning beaches like Elafonissi. The UNESCO-listed monasteries of Meteora, perched atop rock pillars, offer a spiritual retreat with breathtaking views. Delphi, once considered the center of the ancient world, captivates with its oracle ruins and mountainous backdrop. Greece’s islands, from the party vibe of Ios to the serene beauty of Naxos, cater to every traveler, with ferries making island-hopping easy. The cuisine is a highlight—think fresh seafood, feta cheese, olives, and baklava—paired with ouzo or local wines from regions like Santorini. Cultural traditions, like the vibrant Greek Orthodox Easter with candlelit processions, add depth to the experience. With its turquoise waters, ancient history, and laid-back Mediterranean vibe, Greece promises an unforgettable journey.

Visa & Passport for Greece: Entry Requirements for Travelers

  • Passport Requirements: Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your stay in Greece (Schengen requirement). Ensure it has at least one blank page for stamps.
  • Visa Requirements: EU citizens don’t need a visa. US, Canadian, and Australian citizens can stay up to 90 days within a 180-day period visa-free under the Schengen Agreement. Other nationalities should check with the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
  • Health Entry Rules: No specific vaccinations are required for entry. Travel insurance covering medical emergencies is recommended, as healthcare costs can be high for non-residents without an EHIC (for EU citizens).

Driving in Greece: Traffic Rules & Tips for Tourists

  • Driver’s License: EU licenses are valid. Non-EU drivers can use their national license for up to 6 months; an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended if the license isn’t in English or Greek.
  • Traffic Rules: Drive on the right. Seat belts are mandatory for all passengers. Speed limits are 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on rural roads, and 130 km/h on motorways (e.g., A1). The blood alcohol limit is 0.05%—strictly enforced.
  • Toll Roads: Major motorways like the A1 (Athens-Thessaloniki) and A8 (Athens-Patras) have tolls, typically €2-€5 per section. Payment is usually in cash, though some booths accept cards.
  • Road Conditions: Main highways are well-maintained, but rural roads, especially on islands like Crete, can be narrow, winding, and poorly lit—drive cautiously. Mountain roads (e.g., in Pelion) may require extra care in winter.
  • Parking: Parking in Athens is regulated—use paid parking zones or apps like ParkAround. On islands like Santorini, parking can be scarce in peak season; opt for accommodations with parking or use public transport.
  • Emergency Number: Dial 112 for emergencies (police, ambulance, fire). Roadside assistance is available through ELPA (Greek automobile club) at 10400.
  • Useful Resource: For more on driving regulations, visit the Greek National Tourism Organization website.

Greece Currency: Using the Euro for Your Trip

  • Euro: Greece uses the Euro (€), adopted in 2002. Coins come in 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents, and 1 and 2 euros; banknotes are 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500 euros.
  • Currency Exchange: Since Greece uses the Euro, no exchange is needed for Eurozone travelers. For others, exchange money at banks or exchange offices in cities like Athens—avoid airport exchanges due to high fees.
  • Payment Methods: Credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are widely accepted in tourist areas like Athens and Santorini, but cash is essential on smaller islands (e.g., Folegandros) or at local tavernas. Contactless payments are common in cities.
  • ATMs: ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas but can be scarce on remote islands—withdraw cash in advance. Look for ATMs from major banks like National Bank of Greece to avoid high fees.

Greece Legal Guide: Laws Travelers Should Know

  • Local Laws: Drug possession is illegal and can lead to heavy fines or imprisonment. Public drinking is generally allowed but can result in fines if it leads to disorderly behavior—be discreet in places like Mykonos Town during peak season.
  • Cultural Sensitivities: Greeks are warm and hospitable—accepting offers of food or coffee is polite. Dress modestly when visiting churches or monasteries (e.g., Meteora), with shoulders and knees covered. Tipping isn’t mandatory but rounding up the bill in tavernas is appreciated.
  • Photography Restrictions: Photography is allowed at most sites, but some museums (e.g., Acropolis Museum) and monasteries may restrict flash or tripods. Avoid photographing military installations, especially near borders.
  • Public Behavior: Public displays of affection are fine but should be discreet, especially in conservative areas. Smoking is banned in indoor public spaces, including restaurants, with outdoor areas often available.
  • Customs Rules: From outside the EU, you can bring 1 liter of spirits, 2 liters of wine, and 200 cigarettes duty-free. Declare cash over €10,000 upon entry or exit.
  • Complaints: For travel issues, contact the Greek National Tourism Organization or local police. Visit their official website for more information.
  • Emergency Contact: Dial 112 for emergencies. For non-urgent issues, contact the tourist police at 1571. Tourist information offices in cities like Athens can assist with minor issues.

Travel Safety in Greece: Staying Safe on Your Trip

  • Crime in Greece: Greece is safe, with low crime rates. Petty theft like pickpocketing can occur in tourist areas like Athens’ Monastiraki or Omonia Square—keep belongings secure.
  • Road Safety: Main roads are good, but rural and island roads can be narrow and winding—drive cautiously, especially on routes like Santorini’s cliffside roads. Locals may drive aggressively; stay alert on highways like the A1.
  • Health Risks: Tap water is safe in most mainland areas but may have high mineral content on islands like Santorini—opt for bottled water there. Food hygiene is generally good—enjoy street food like gyros, but ensure it’s from reputable vendors.
  • Natural Hazards: Greece has a moderate risk of earthquakes, especially in areas like the Ionian Islands—familiarize yourself with safety procedures. Wildfires can occur in summer (e.g., Attica region)—check local alerts.
  • Medical Facilities: Healthcare is decent in cities like Athens, with hospitals like Evangelismos. Islands have limited facilities—travel insurance is recommended, as non-emergency care can be costly for non-residents.
  • Emergency Contacts: Dial 112 for emergencies (police, ambulance, fire). Pharmacies are widespread—look for green cross signs—and can provide over-the-counter medications and advice.
  • Public Transport Safety: Public transport like the Athens Metro and ferries is safe but can be crowded in peak season—watch for pickpockets on busy routes like the Metro’s Line 1 (Piraeus-Kifissia).

Flights to Greece: Travel Options

Athens International Airport (ATH) is Greece’s main hub, with flights worldwide. Other airports like Thessaloniki (SKG), Santorini (JTR), and Heraklion (HER) serve international and domestic flights, especially in summer.