Important Things To Know
Many people go to Greece for the island hopping, the rich cultural historicism, and the friendly vibe.
But you may wonder how to get around and what to know before heading to the country that brought you Western Philosophy and the Olympics.
We’ve compiled the ultimate travel guide to prepare you for your trip. Here, you will find everything you need to know before booking your ticket.
Getting around Greece is easy, and you have the option of doing it via land, air, or sea.
Sea travel is a widespread way of getting around Greece.
Greece forms an integral part of many Eastern Mediterranean voyages and this is one of our favorite ways to explore Greece, its islands, and everything the country has on offer.
We got a lot of joy out of touring Greece via ferries or sailboats.
In terms of land travel, buses are probably the cheapest option. Public buses can be a great way to travel across regions and within certain areas, but they can be hard to navigate and find tickets for.
We also recommend riding the train, which services fewer areas but provides an excellent opportunity to explore the countryside.
Currency
Greece uses the Euro currency.
National Languages
In Greece, 99% of the population speaks Greek, its official language
Macedonian, Albanian and Turkish are also spoken in some parts of the country.
English is widely spoken throughout Greece, so tourists have little trouble communicating or understanding the locals when visiting this country.
Rendering of the new Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Athens, Greece. (image courtesy of Hard Rock International)
Time Zone
Greece observes daylight saving in the Winter due to its location and distance from the equator, which means the clocks move on an extra hour during this time (UTC +3).
Climate And Weather
The summers in Greece have a typical Mediterranean feel.
During this time, Greece is hot and dry, which we considered the perfect conditions for island hopping and admiring the beautiful blue waters and ancient architecture.
The winters are cold, though, and there can even be snowfall, especially when traveling north. In the northern regions, the temperature is known to drop below zero and can even reach -20°C.
Float at Patras Carnival in Greece. (Photo via linmtheu / Flickr)The best time to do island hopping is in the late spring or early summer, but we’ve also found that visiting in late fall is magnificent in its own right.
Once winter starts, you can explore the rest of what Greece offers (with fewer crowds). We’ve found that December to February is by far the best time to experience this country without tourists.
If you prioritize good weather, we recommend visiting between April and June, during Spring.
You can also visit from September to October, which presents cool weather but not cold enough to cancel your plans and remain indoors.
Greece Escape: Corfu, Athens & Sky-High Monasteries (Photo Credit: Provided by GAdventures)Greece has a wide variety of options in terms of where to stay. Here is our round-up of the top options:
Athens: The capital of Greece is an excellent place for first-time visitors. There are tons of ferries to some of the most popular islands and various accommodation options, including budget-friendly ones. You can also take a cruise from Athens to tour around Greece.
Mykonos: If you want nightlife and entertainment, Mykonos is for you. Its active nightlife scene is among the best we’ve ever experienced.
Santorini: This famous island is a great place to stay and experience the fantastic views, beaches, and seafood restaurants. It can also easily be reached from Athens.
Crete: This is the biggest Greek island and boasts an impressive range of superb beaches coupled with an old-town feel.
