Greece is an easy place to visit and enjoy, as no vaccinations are required and credit cards work very well. There are ample ATMs with instructions in English. Almost everyone in Greece speaks at least some English.
The recommendation is to pack light as shopping is part of the fun in Greece with a wide variety and styles available.
If you are from a small list of countries, you will need a VISA. This list can be found at the Greek consulate or embassy. When planning your trip, it is good to work with a knowledgeable Greek in a travel agency.
If you plan to see the Greek islands, ferries are the best way to do it. They are cheap, relaxing and picturesque. If you plan to go to some of the more distant islands, the ferries usually leave at night. You’ll want to reserve a stateroom early, as it’s nice to go to sleep in your stateroom and wake up in the morning on your destination island. During the week of Easter, around August 15 and on Fridays in July and August, these ferries are quite crowded. It’s best to plan your trips in advance to ensure you get a space.
Also plan to stay in Athens a couple of days before your flight leaves, as ferries can sometimes have mechanical problems and you could miss your flight if you were to rely on the ferry to get you there directly at flight time.
There is not always direct access between all the islands. Sometimes a trip to another island may require a trip to the mainland first. Two, three, four and five island combo packages are available.
Each Greek island offers unique delights and beauty. Here is a summary of the main islands and their attractiveness.
Sifnos – This is a great island for children as Karmari beach is shallow. There are many cafes and restaurants nearby. Here is one of the most beautiful beach towns in Greece, Platyialos.
Lesbos: A country unto itself, it is the third largest island and contains mountains, two inland seas, pine forests and olive groves. The seas offer a wide variety of marine life and wildlife. It is a great place for bird watching. It also contains medieval castles, ancient ruins and an urban market similar to a Turkish bazaar.
Santorini – This is the number one destination in Greece. It has a giant volcanic caldera whose drama rivals that of the Grand Canyon and is known for its beautiful romantic sunsets. It’s great for newlyweds.
Ios: This island is ideal for people under 25 years of age. It is known as a perpetual party spot for youngsters.
Mykonos – Visited by almost all the famous people, it has many white cube houses and amazing beaches. The famous Paradise Beach, where clothing is optional, is there.
Rhodes: the southern part of this island is a mecca for windsurfers. Rhodes also contains the walled fortress of the castle of the Knights of Saint John and has excellent beaches, nightlife and some of the most beautiful scenery in Greece.
Paros: This island is famous for water sports and is the windsurfing capital of the Greek islands.
Mainland Greece is best explored by shared taxi or limousine, which can be less expensive than big tours.
Some great places to see on the mainland are the Peloponessos region, which is known as the real Greece. It is known for its great beaches, seas, mountains and rich archaeological sights. It has interesting cities like Githeon and the Byzantine city of Mystras overlooking Sparta. Other attractions are the Diros caves and the Saritorini volcano. The Mount Pelion peninsula is known as the Colorado Rocky Mountains of the Aegean.
Athens is a place you must see if you visit Greece. Transportation is easy with access to buses, taxis and ferries. The metro station will take you to the island’s ferries.
You may want to stay in the number of villages that line the Acropolis. The Monastiriki Flea Market, the Atticka Zoo and museums like the Benaki Museum and the National Museums are places to visit. The city center is a shopper’s paradise with access to inexpensive gold jewelry.
Greece offers a world of entertainment in itself. Everything you would like to see or do on a vacation can be found there.
