Greece Snapshot

Greece generally has a mild, Mediterranean climate, with July and August being the busiest months for tourism. With warm weather and plentiful sunshine, this is a great time for visiting the islands, swimming in the sea and lazing on the beach. Summers are generally hot and dry, with daytime temperatures rising to 30°-38°C (85°-100°F). Days are usually cooled by prevailing north winds, especially on the islands.

By mid-September, temperatures begin to fall and crowds thin, but it can still be hot. The weather remains generally calm and balmy well into October. If you can't get to Greece in the spring, and beaches are not your primary goal, this is a fine time to visit. By late October, ferry service and flights are cutting back and most facilities on the islands begin to close for the winter. But the cooler atmosphere makes Athens and the mainland all the more pleasant.
  • Greece weather chart

Eating and Drinking in Greece

  • Olives and Olive Oil: No trip to Greece is complete without savouring olives and their legendary oil. Greeks cook with copious amounts of olive oil and also serve it on the side with bread. Fresh green and black olives can be found everywhere – in markets, cafes, restaurants, supermarkets, and in people’s homes.
  • Yaurti (Yoghurt): Thick, smooth and rich, the yoghurt in Greece is unlike other yoghurts around the world. Grab a bowl of it smothered in honey and nuts for breakfast, lunch or a snack.
  • Feta: The national cheese of Greece should definitely be sampled in its native environment. You’ll find this salty treat in fresh salads, baked into pies, stuffed into fish and fried and served with bread.
  • Ouzo: This strong, distilled spirit has a distinct aniseed flavour and is perfect for cleansing the palette before meals. Sip on some while visiting an ouzeri for an authentic Greek experience.
  • Greek salad

Intrepid believes that one of the best ways to experience a country is by eating! Whether you're sampling street food, savouring a cheap eat or indulging in a banquet, there are endless options to choose from wherever you are in the world. Visitors to Greece will be spoilt with the very best of fresh produce and ancient cooking traditions.

Shopping in Greece

  • Komboloi (Worry Beads): These stress-relieving resin beads are meant to be turned through your fingers as you muse over life. With roots deep in ancient Greek cultural tradition, they make a great souvenir for friends wanting a slice of authentic Greece.
  • Botanical Skincare: Greece is home to many brands of premium, organic skincare. Stock up on luxurious olive oil soap or enriching yoghurt-based moisturisers before you head home.
  • Mati: Travel safely and ward off evil by attaching a Mati (an ‘Evil Eye’) to your backpack. They’re cheap, available almost everywhere in Greece and are a great reminder of your travels in the Aegean.
  • Jewellery: Whether you prefer gold, silver, amber resin or colourful beads, Greece has a huge variety of jewellery on offer. Prices are typically lower than in many other parts of the world, so it’s likely you’ll be able to snap up a few bargains.
  • Komboloi beads

From public markets and designer boutiques to European chain stores, Greece has every aspect of retail cornered.

It's a good idea to check with your local customs officials to ensure that you are able to bring certain items back into your home country. Australia and New Zealand generally have strict quarantine laws.

Accommodation

Travelling with Intrepid is a little bit different. We endeavour to provide travellers with an authentic experience to remember, so we try to keep accommodation as unique and traditional as possible.

When travelling with us in Greece you may find yourself staying in a:
Pension/Simple Hotel
  • Pension/Simple Hotel

  • Intrepid prefers smaller character-filled hotels then hotel chains. When staying in Greece, enjoy staying in small but comfortable hotels owned and run by friendly locals.

Transport

Intrepid believes half the fun of experiencing a new country is getting there, and getting around once there! Where possible, Intrepid uses local transport options and traditional modes of transport - which usually carry less of an environmental impact, support small local operators and are heaps more fun.

Depending on which trip you're on while in Greece, you may find yourself travelling by:
Ferry
  • Ferry

  • Take in awesome views of the blue-green Aegean as you hop between Greece’s famed islands aboard a ferry.
  • Local Bus

  • Live like a local resident by hopping on a local bus. Cheap, efficient and fast, it’s a great way to get around Greece’s busy cities.