Our Greece Travel Guide

We’ve spent months exploring different regions across Greece to craft a resource that’s genuinely helpful and refreshingly straightforward. We want to share what we discovered—local customs, approximate prices, easy transport routes, and, of course, the most delectable dishes we tried along the way. Our goal is to ensure this Greece travel guide feels just as relevant for first-time travelers as it does for returning visitors seeking fresh experiences.

Exploring the Greek Mainland

The Greek mainland surprised us with its breadth and diversity. While Athens and the Acropolis often headline any itinerary, we encourage you to step outside the capital. Here are a few destinations we love:

• Thessaloniki: As Greece’s second-largest city, Thessaloniki greets visitors with a young spirit, Byzantine churches, and seaside promenades. We noticed how cafés stay open late, buzzing with conversation.
• Nafplio: A coastal gem in the Peloponnese, Nafplio enchants with its Venetian architecture and a seaside fortress offering panoramic views. Walking around the old town costs nothing, but climbing up to Palamidi Fortress might involve a small entry fee (around 8 euros).
• Meteora: A testament to natural wonder and human ingenuity, Meteora’s tall cliffs hold centuries-old monasteries. Entrance fees are typically 3 euros per monastery, and modest dress is expected.

Travel Tip: Buses are the most common way to traverse the mainland. A short ride between neighboring towns often costs just a few euros, whereas longer routes, like Athens to Thessaloniki, might run closer to 20-30 euros. We recommend booking tickets at least a day ahead during peak months.

Greek Islands Worth Visiting

We believe no Greece travel guide is complete without giving proper attention to the Greek islands. While the names Santorini and Mykonos echo across social media, dozens of islands are equally appealing:

1. Crete: Greece’s largest island brims with landscapes that shift from rugged gorges to sandy beaches. We explored the Old Town of Chania, where boutique hotels can range from 70 to 150 euros a night, depending on the season.
2. Corfu: On the Ionian side, Corfu fuses Venetian influence with Greek charm. If you’re feeling adventurous, rent a scooter (about 20-25 euros per day) to discover hidden coves.
3. Zakynthos: Prized for the iconic Navagio (Shipwreck) Beach. Ferry tickets from the mainland can cost around 30 euros, though off-season deals pop up.
4. Kos and Rhodes: Kos impressed us with its relaxed vibe, while Rhodes offered medieval ramparts and ancient ruins. We enjoyed local seafood in Rhodes’ Old Town, with dinner for two usually falling around 25-40 euros, depending on where you eat.

Travel Tip: Ferries are your primary link between the islands. Peak-season ferry routes can be in high demand, so secure tickets early. Expect to pay roughly 30-60 euros for inter-island travel, though costs vary based on distance and vessel type.

Greek Cuisine and Gyros Favorites

We’re unabashedly passionate about food, so we couldn’t skip Greek cuisine in our Greece travel guide. Traditional tavernas serve hearty plates loaded with fresh produce, olives, and local cheeses. Our favorite “fast food” has to be the classic gyros—juicy, seasoned meat (or vegetables, if you prefer) piled onto a warm pita and garnished with tomatoes, onions, and tzatziki. We found prices for gyros typically range from 2.50 to 4 euros, making it a delicious bargain for travelers on any budget.

Don’t Miss:

• Baklava and Loukoumades: Local bakeries often sell honey-soaked pastries for about 2-3 euros each.
• Greek Coffee: Served strong and sweet. Cafés charge 2-4 euros per cup, and the more traditional spots sometimes come with a side of local sweet.
• Local Markets: For those who enjoy cooking, strolling a public market for fresh vegetables, fruits, and olives gives you a real taste of day-to-day life.

Accommodation and Budgeting

We’re well aware that budgets vary. Greece offers a range of options, so in this Greece travel guide, we want to highlight a few averages:

• Hostels or Low-Cost Stays: Around 20-30 euros per night in popular city centers.
• Family-Run Guesthouses: Typically 40-60 euros per night, offering an authentic experience.
• Mid-Range Hotels: Prices usually start near 70-90 euros and can climb higher in hotspots like Santorini or Mykonos.
• Luxury Resorts: Expect anything from 150 euros upward, depending on location and season.

If you plan on island-hopping in the summer, consider booking well in advance because prices spike, and rooms fill up quickly.

Practical Travel Tips

1. Currency: Greece uses the euro, and credit cards are accepted almost everywhere—though it’s still smart to carry some cash for smaller businesses.
2. Language: Greek is the official language, but many locals speak English in tourist areas. You’ll see how far a friendly “Efharistó!” (thank you) can go.
3. Transportation: Inner-city bus fare in Athens is around 1.20 euros per ride. Taxis start at a base rate of 3.50 euros, and surcharges can apply at night or if you’re carrying extra luggage.
4. Seasonal Insight: Summer can be blazing hot, which is ideal for beach lovers but less so for crowd-free sightseeing. Spring and fall struck us as perfect times for a balance of warmth and space.

We’ve shaped this Greece travel guide around our own explorations, making sure you have practical insights for everything from booking ferries to finding that perfect gyros. Our aim at VayCay Couple is to remove guesswork and highlight Greece’s cultural richness, giving you all the pieces you need for a memorable experience. If you have more questions, we’re ready to help. Just reach out, and let’s get your Greek journey underway!

FAQs

1. Do I need a visa to visit Greece?
   Greece is part of the Schengen Area, so if you’re traveling from another Schengen country, there’s no need for a visa. Otherwise, we encourage you to verify specific requirements with your local consulate.
2. When’s the best time to use this Greece travel guide for planning?
   We prefer late spring (May) or early fall (September) for milder temperatures, but if you like bigger events and constant sunshine, July and August bring plenty of energy—along with larger crowds.
3. Is Greek food friendly for vegetarians?
   Absolutely. We found plenty of vegetarian plates across tavernas, including dolmades (stuffed vine leaves) and gemista (stuffed tomatoes and peppers). Salads are plentiful, and cheeses like feta add variety.
4. What about hidden fees for transportation or attractions?
   While we touched on approximate prices, keep in mind that national archaeological sites often have separate entrance fees, typically between 6 and 12 euros. Budget for those if you plan a thorough historic tour.
5. How can I split my trip between islands and the mainland?
   If you’ve got two weeks, a balanced approach might be a few days in Athens or Thessaloniki, followed by a short island-hopping itinerary. Piraeus Port in Athens connects you to multiple Aegean islands, including Crete, Santorini, and beyond.