GreeceThings to Know

How much does a vacation to Greece cost?

Though Greece vacations are not as discounted as they used to be, you can still make your euro stretch further with some planning and forethought. For one-week trips to Greece, an individual traveller should allocate at least $3,000, not including international airfare. 

How to plan a Greece vacation?

The best way to explore Greece is via tailor-made vacation packages that cater to your individual interests. Do you want to visit the city of Zeus’ wisest daughter, Athena, or go swimming at Kythira Island where Aphrodite rose from the sea? With the help of a Goway travel guide, your Greece vacation will be as unique as you are. 

How long can you vacation in Greece?

Travellers from the United States and Canada can visit Greece for 90 days within a 180-day period. If time allows, you can split your vacation time up between Greece and other members of the Schengen Area, a group of 29 European countries that allow unrestricted movement of people. If you are hoping to stay over 90 days in a 180-day period, a long-stay visa is required. 

What are some of the best places to visit in Greece?

The city of Athens continues to captivate, as the centre of art and history dating back to the Middle Neolithic era. Visiting the Acropolis hill home of the Parthenon, which rises 150 m (450 ft) above Athens, is a must-see for any Greece trip. It can be difficult to choose which islands to visit, with more than 70 inhabited and beautiful islands to choose from. It is important to note that larger islands have airports, while some smaller ones are only accessible by ferries. Santorini is a volcanic island, known for its white-washed homes perched along the rugged black earth cliffside. Mykonos Island is sought after for its tangled maze-like streets lined with boutiques, galleries, cafes, and white-washed houses with colourful doorways. Many Greece tours highlight Mykonos’ vibrant nightlife and golden sand beaches. Crete is the largest island in Greece, and enjoys generally extended warm weather because of its southern location. 

When is the best time to visit Greece?

June, July, and August are peak season months in Greece, with many travellers seeking summer sun and beach. Shoulder months including April, May, September, and October are commonly less busy, though you can still relish the warm weather. Winter months with windy wet chilly days are the quietest, with many accommodations completely shutting down for the off-season, especially common on the islands. Many travellers seek out the winter months to explore historical sites such as Delphi and Meteora, as they are less crowded. 

Is Greece easy to travel through?

In Athens, Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (commonly known as Athens International Airport) is the main airport, serving frequent direct flights from Canada and the United States daily. Other parts of Greece are accessible through regional flights, which also depart from AFT. Before arriving in Greece, your travel agent can help you determine the best way to navigate. Public buses, tour buses, and rental cars are popular options for travelling the mainland, as the Greek train network is limited. Greece is known for its easy and extensive ferry system, offering hundreds of ferries with varying speeds, and sizes, connecting the islands and mainland. 

Do they speak English in Greece?

The official language in Greece is Greek, and a significant portion of the population is also fluent in English. You will find that many Greeks you encounter when on your Greece vacation speak English, especially in areas frequented by tourists. 

Can I drink the tap water in Greece?

Travellers will find that Greece tap water in some spots, like Athens, is drinkable, though it can be somewhat unpleasant to some palates, due to its higher salinity levels. A couple of the islands in Greece have drinkable tap water, especially the larger ones, such as Crete. On smaller islands, do not plan to drink the tap water. Instead use bottled water. Some accommodations may have filtered water too.

How welcoming Is Greece to LGBTQ+ travellers?

Greece has not always been very LGBTQ+ friendly, with its population being predominantly Greek Orthodox. Legal progress has recently been made, with Greece being the first Christian Orthodox country to legalize same-sex marriage in February 2024. Athens and Mykonos, in particular, are known for being more welcoming, with venues and bars exclusively for the LGBTQ+ community.

What currency does Greece use?

Greece is a member of the European Union and uses the Euro (EUR) as its official form of currency. On average, USD $1 is worth EUR 0.90, but exchange rates are always fluctuating, so check the latest rates before booking your Greece trip. While credit cards are increasingly accepted, having cash on hand is especially important for smaller islands and towns. 

Do I need to tip in Greece?

Tipping is not mandatory in Greece, though it is generally expected and considered an expression of gratitude for good service. While dining, a tip between 5-10% of the total bill is customary. Other services, such as hotel luggage assistance, taxis, and travel guides, may be tipped modestly.