With its clear blue beaches, archaeological ruins, breathtaking sunsets over the Aegean Sea, and diverse landscapes ranging from volcanic islands to verdant valleys, there is something for everyone to see in Greece.
Fast Facts:
Capital: Athens
Population: 10.4 million (2023)
Currency: Euro (€)
Official Language: Greek
Drives: On the right-hand side of the road
Adapter Type: C (also F). A universal adapter that includes Type C is recommended.
Visa Requirements: None for visa-exempt countries with stays up to 90 days, but EITAS is required starting late 2026 for non-EU citizens. I recommend reviewing your country’s specific visa regulations to determine if your country is visa-exempt.
Part of the Schengen Area? Yes
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Popular attractions in Greece
Acropolis of Athens: The most famous and visited attraction in Greece and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Acropolis is truly a sight to behold, known for the iconic Parthenon. Buying tickets in advance is highly recommended, and I recommend visiting in the morning or at sunset to avoid crowds.
Acropolis Museum: The Acropolis Museum is an archaeological museum focused on what has been found on the archaeological site of the Acropolis of Athens. The museum displays detailed descriptions of most of the artifacts found and the dates when the artifacts were made. The museum also features a glass floor and archaeological site, allowing visitors to get a closer look at archaeologists’ ongoing excavations through a glass floor.
Santorini: Receiving over 2 million visitors every year, Santorini is the most popular Greek island. Popular attractions include seeing the sunset in Oia, the Akrotiri archaeological site, the Three Bells of Fira, visiting wineries, and the Perívolos and Vlichada black sand beaches.
Mykonos: The second most popular Greek island, Mykonos is known for its nightlife and is considered a haven for LGBTQ+ tourists. The island has many gay-friendly beaches and hotels. Popular attractions on Mykonos include Little Venice, the windmills (Kato Milli) seen from Little Venice, the Old Port of Mykonos, and popular beaches like Elia Beach and Paradise Beach.
Crete: The largest and most populous Greek island, Crete is famous for its archaeological sites and its pink sand beach, Elafonissi beach. Other attractions on Crete include Balos Lagoon, visiting the coastal town of Chania, hiking the Samaria Gorge, and visiting the Rethymno old town.
Meteora: Meteora is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located just under 3 hours from Thessaloniki. It is comprised of unique rock formations and the monasteries built on top of them. Visitors can explore the monasteries, hike on marked trails, enjoy the stunning sunsets over the rock formations, and also rock climb.
Athens
3 Days in Athens: The Top Itinerary for First-Timers (Updated 2026)
Santorini
One Day in Santorini from Cruise Ship: 2 Perfect Itineraries
6 Essential Things to Know About Santorini Before You Go
Best time to visit Greece
The best time to visit Greece is during the shoulder seasons, between April and June and September and October. The best time to visit the beach in Greece is in July and August, but this coincides with the largest crowds and higher prices for flights and accommodations. I recommend visiting Greece during September, which is when I visited. It was still hot outside, so the beach was still an option, and the crowds were thinning out as summer was ending. I also think September is the perfect time for island hopping!