Greece tours & holidays

Greece has a Mediterranean climate along the coast and islands, with hot, dry summers and mild winters. Inland, the climate is more continental – think hot summers, cold winters and snowfall at higher altitudes.

June to August is the peak tourist season. Expect clear skies, long sunny days and toasty temperatures in the mid to high 30s°C. It’s the perfect time to set sail around the islands, spend time on the beach and enjoy late dinners at seaside tavernas. Just keep in mind that it’ll be busy.

If you’re not keen on crowds, consider a shoulder month like April or May. You’ll still get plenty of sunshine, but with fewer tourists and milder temps. The weather usually remains balmy well into October, though the islands’ ferry services and seasonal businesses start winding down by the end of the month.

Winter is the low season, especially on the islands, where many places close until spring. But on the mainland, it’s a good time to spend your days exploring ancient sites thanks to fewer crowds and comfortable walking temperatures.

Learn more about the weather in Greece

Learn more about the best time to visit Greece

Greece has been both the conqueror and the conquered. It fought for independence from centuries of Ottoman rule during the Greek War of Independence, and was recognised as an autonomous nation in 1830. The two World Wars also had a profound impact. Greece endured a brutal Axis occupation in the early 1940s, with resistance movements playing a key role until liberation in 1944. It then became a founding member of the United Nations in 1945 and joined NATO in 1952.

The legacy of ancient Greece remains strong, and the hallmarks of Western medicine, philosophy, drama and democracy – all tracing their roots here – are a deep source of national pride. The concept of ‘kefi’ –  loosely translated as joy or passion for life – also takes centre stage. Meals are leisurely and social gatherings are frequent and filled with drinking, dancing and lively discussion.

Religion also plays a key role. Over 80% of the population identify as Greek Orthodox, and major celebrations like Christmas and Easter are observed across the country with family gatherings, feasts and local traditions.

Learn more about festivals in Greece

Greece comprises a mainland peninsula – sharing land borders with Albania, Bulgaria, Turkey and Macedonia – and an archipelago of more than 6000 islands and islets, with around 200 inhabited, dotted around the Ionian, Mediterranean and Aegean seas. Islands like Santorini and Nisyros owe their dramatic beauty to ancient volcanic activity, with soaring cliffs and black sand beaches dotted with unique rock formations.

Greece has an incredible variety of landscapes, with mountains, canyons, caves, gorges, lagoons and coastal wetlands. Crete, Greece’s largest island, is known for its rugged terrain and is a favourite among hikers and rock climbers – especially those wanting to explore Samaria Gorge, one of the longest in Europe. On the mainland, Mount Olympus (2918 m), famed for being the dwelling place of the 12 legendary Greek gods, is another popular summit.

Despite the rugged terrain, Greece has a wealth of fertile land with farms producing diverse produce across the country, including olives, wine grapes, citrus and nuts – making it a go-to destination for foodies.

Greek cuisine is simple and fresh. Garlic and fragrant herbs are mainstays, as are punchy cheeses, grilled meats and seafood. Meeting up to enjoy mezes (appetizers) is a national pastime – the idea is to order a few and share, making it a great way to sample a bit of everything on the menu.

Here are some dishes and drinks to try in Greece:

1. Spanakopita

Greece's famous cheese and spinach pie encased in flaky filo pastry is perfect for breakfast, lunch or any time of day really! It pairs perfectly with creamy tzatziki or a crunchy Greek salad.

2. Moussaka

Moussaka is the Greek version of lasagna. A rich tomato-y meat sauce is layered with eggplant and topped with a generous slathering of bechamel sauce. It’s comfort food at its finest.

3. Dolmades

Dolmades are delicious rolls of herby, lemony rice and/or minced meat wrapped in vine leaves. It's a long-standing favourite that hails from Ottoman cuisine.

4. Greek salad

Chunks of tomato, cucumber, red onion and feta are tossed with olive oil, lemon juice, salt and oregano. You might’ve had Greek salad before, but there’s no comparison to eating it on Greek soil.

5. Coffee

Locals savour Greek coffee at kafeneios (coffeehouses). Made from finely ground Arabica beans, it's boiled in a special pot and is served with foam on top, with the grounds settling at the bottom. Enjoy it with a sweet treat.

6. Raki

Raki is a potent Cretan spirit made from distilled grape skins. Locals say it helps heal a broken heart, and whether it’s true or not, it certainly creates a warm feeling in your chest! If plain raki is too strong, rose or honey-flavoured raki are milder on the palate.

7. Ouzo

Greece’s national drink is an anise-flavored aperitif. It’s made with leftover grapes from winemaking and is usually served neat in skinny glasses with a bucket of ice and water on the side.

Learn more about what to eat in Greece

Learn more about what to drink in Greece

Major tourist hubs in Greece are cashless and accept digital wallet, debit and credit card payments. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, shops and restaurants, but it’s still worth having some euros handy for everyday purchases or to tip service staff.

You'll find ATMs easily in cities, large towns and popular islands, but make sure you withdraw cash when visiting more remote places.