Greece tours & travel

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’s culture is very much influenced by its ancient past. The hallmarks of Western medicine, philosophy, drama and government can all be attributed to the mighty ancient Greek civilization – which is an incredible source of national pride. Traditional music and dance are still valued and used to commemorate celebrations throughout the year. The circle dance, for instance, dates to the Byzantine period. Even contemporary cuisine has its roots in ancient tradition.

Greeks place a high amount of value on ‘kefi’, which loosely translates to joy or passion. Life is meant to be lived to the fullest. For this reason, meals are leisurely and social gatherings are frequent, typically involving drinking, dancing and lively discussion. Common Greek customs, like smashing plates and dancing with a glass of water on your head, are considered expressions of kefi.

With more than 90% of the population being Greek Orthodox, religion plays an important part in everyday life. Religious festivals and ceremonies are commonplace, both in the mainland cities and small rural villages. Christmas and Easter are particularly important dates on the calendar, although religious celebrations are not limited to these times as there are daily, weekly and annual rites and rituals performed all throughout Greece’s mainland and islands. 

Greek cuisine favours simplicity and relies primarily on fresh local produce. Think vegetables, beans, nuts and grains; grilled meats and fresh fish; parsley, garlic, dill and mint; and punchy cheeses such as feta, kefalotyri and halloumi. Drinks-wise, locals will savour a Greek coffee at a kafeneio (coffeehouse) or glass of anise-flavoured ouzo (diluted with water) at an ouzeri – along with a couple of mezedhes (appetizers) – for hours. There’s also tsipouru (fermented distilled grape skins), raki (a tsipouru from Crete) and retsina (white wine flavoured with pine resin).

Must-try foods in Greece

1. Dolmades with Yoghurt

Probably one of Greece’s most famous culinary triumphs these vine leaves stuffed with rice, pine nuts and herbs are usually served with fresh, tangy yoghurt and due to their supreme ‘eatability’ don’t last long.

2. Grilled Octopus

The Greek Islands are arguably the best place in the world to savour char grilled octopus. Nothing beats freshly caught seafood, teemed with a cool beer and a golden sunset.

3. Horiatiki Salata

Known as Greek Salad in the English-speaking world, the combination of olives, cucumbers, onions, tomatoes, feta, olive oil and oregano shows that the simple flavours are often the best.

4. Mezedes

These small plates of vegetables, cheese, olives, dips and peppers are typically served before meals and are a perfect, light starter to a meal.

5. Fried Calamari

Known as Kalamarakia Tiganita to Greeks, this quick and simple deep fried delicacy is best served simple – with a slice of lemon and an amazing view!

6. Kleftiko

This slow-baked lamb dish features the mouth-watering flavours of garlic and lemon. The cooking method ensures that the meat falls off the bone to create a tender masterpiece.

7. Moussaka

This classic Greek dish of layered eggplant, spiced meat and creamy sauce is delicious, decadent and delectable.

8. Loukoumades

Sweet tooths shouldn’t miss these deep fried doughy treats! Soaked in a sugary syrup or honey and cinnamon, they are small but simply sensational.

9. Spanakopita

A favourite with vegetarians, this dish of layered filo pastry, feta cheese and spinach is filling and flavoursome.

10. Yiros

For a cheap and tasty meal, head to a yiros cart to choose from tender, grilled beef, chicken, lamb or pork yiros. This popular hangover cure consists of oily meat, wrapped in bread with salad and tzadziki and could possibly be one of the best examples of fast food in the world.

Sharing land borders with Albania, Bulgaria, Turkey and Macedonia, Greece is located in Southern Europe and is surrounded by the Ionian, Mediterranean and Aegean Sea. Consisting of the mainland peninsula and an archipelago of more than 3000 islands, Greece is typically mountainous, containing peaks, karsts and canyons all over. Despite the mountainous topography, there is much arable land on Greece with small-scale farms successfully producing olives, peaches, melons, grapes, tomatoes and grain for export and local use. 

Greece’s highest peak, Mount Olympus, is famed for being the dwelling place of the 12 ancient gods in Greek mythology. The islands are mostly uninhabited and are formed in small chains (called archipelagos) within the Aegean Sea. Santorini, Mykonos and Corfu are among the more popular islands with tourists, though Crete and Evia are the largest islands. 

Early History

The early history of Greece is among the world’s most fascinating, and like the other ancient civilisations of Egypt and Rome, Greece has many monuments still standing after centuries. The Greeks have been both the conquerors and the conquered, withstood the Plague and other natural disasters, and birthed some of the greatest literature, scientific developments, mathematical formulas and thought movements.

Recent History

In 1821, the Greeks fought against Ottoman rule during the Greek War of Independence, which resulted in Greece being recognised as an autonomous region in 1828. This was a time of great upheaval for the Greek people, with political assassinations, battles and plundering. After autonomy was granted, many years of change followed, with continued war and confrontation alongside intermittent periods of relative peace. The two World Wars had a profound effect on Greece, with many battles fought in Greece during the early 1940s (during the Axis occupation). Athens was liberated from this occupation in 1944 and the Greek government was restored. Greece joined the United Nations (as a founding member) in 1945 and NATO in 1952. During this time, many Greeks started moving to other parts of the world in a mass wave of widespread migration. The USA, Australia and Europe were popular destinations in this move, which saw hundreds of thousands of Greeks immigrate to other lands. In 2004, Athens successfully hosted the Summer Olympics once again. Yet more recently, Greece has come under the shadow of the European debt crisis which has crippled the economy. Despite this, the spirit of the Greek people endures as it has for eons.

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

If you are in the market for traditional Greek handicrafts, consider supporting the local economy by purchasing goods in the region that produces them. This includes: silver from Ioannina; ceramics from Sifnos and Skopelos; and embroidery and lace from Crete, the Ionian Islands, Rhodes and Skiros.

Shopping hours vary throughout Greece. Stores in large cities and tourist areas are typically open from 9 am to 9 pm, while shops in other areas close around 2 or 3 pm and reopen between 6 and 9 pm three days a week (Tuesday, Thursday and Friday). Most stores are closed on Sundays.

Things to buy in Greece

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

Hellenic Festival (or Athens and Epidaurus Festival)

This annual summer festival showcases the performing arts from June through August in Athens and the surrounding area. But what makes this festival particularly special is the choice of venue for these performances. The Odean of Herodes Atticus and the Theatre of Epidaurus – incredible stone theatres from ancient times – are both used for marquee events.

Epiphany

If you find yourself in Greece during this time, you’ll feel ‘blessed’. Each year, Athens’ ancient port of Piraeus sees this religious day celebrated in an extraordinary way. A local priest flings a crucifix into the sea and young men dive into the cold water to retrieve it. This ritual is echoed throughout Greece in small villages and on islands. This special ceremony is performed for locals, by locals, but tourists are welcome to watch and learn.

Epidaurus Festival

This festival offers the chance to experience the classics of Greek drama being performed in their original setting – an ancient theatre. With performances being held every Friday and Saturday night during the festival, there are plenty of opportunities to see Greek tragedies as originally intended.

Aegina Fistiki (Pistachio) Festival

In Aegina, pistachios are life. Pistachio fields cover the island and sale of these emerald nuts are vital for the local economy. So, it makes sense that Aegina would hold a festival solely in their honour at the end of harvest in September. After you’ve had your fill of pistachio-flavoured dishes and desserts, there are plenty of market vendors to browse or performances to take in.

Intrepid takes the health and safety of its travellers seriously, and takes every measure to ensure that trips are safe, fun and enjoyable for everyone. We recommend that all travellers check with their government or national travel advisory organisation for the latest information before departure: