Traveling to Greece soon? Unsure about what to expect on your Greek vacation? Well, then you have come to the right place.
From ancient ruins and island sunsets to hearty cuisine and warm hospitality, Greece is a pure dream.
However, as with most foreign countries, you must be aware of their customs, culture, and travel norms to truly enjoy your trip.
From where to stay in Greece to what to do in Greece, I’ll help you plan your vacation to the utmost detail so that you have nothing but amazing memories from this country.
Ready to start planning your Greek vacation? Here are 20 Things You Need to Know When Traveling to Greece!
Traveling To Greece: 20 Things You Need To Know
Check On Your Country’s Visa Entry/Exit Requirements
The visa requirements for Greece will differ based on your passport’s nationality. So, do check your travel requirements before planning a trip to Greece.
Thankfully, American citizens don’t need a visa to travel to Greece but be ready for an extra step that is likely to be introduced in 2026.
From next year, US citizens traveling to Greece will need to apply for an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) before the trip.
This is a pre-travel authorization and not a VISA. You will need to apply for it online and pay the fees.
It will be valid for 3 years for multiple entries or until your passport expires.
Since the ETIAS hasn’t been launched yet, you can visit Greece without any VISA or additional permits until then.
However, do remember that you can stay a maximum of 90 days in Greece in within180 days.
Book: Santorini: One-Way Transfer to/from the Port or Airport
Book: Athens Airport: Private Transfer to/from Athens
Make Sure To Check Your Passport Before Traveling To Greece
Check that your passport is valid with an expiration date of 6 months from the date of departure.
Plus, there should be one fully blank page in the passport for entry and exit stamps.
So, if your passport is full or expiring soon, then apply for a new one before traveling to Greece. You can even get the process expedited for an additional fee.
For American citizens with Global Entry membership, there is some good news. You can download the Global Entry Mobile app and reduce your time and effort upon return to the USA.
Book: Athens: Transfer to/from Athens Airport and Athens Hotels
Book: Rhodes Airport: Private Transfer From/to Your Hotel
Purchase A SIM Card/eSIM For Greece
Once you reach Greece after a long international flight, you need to first activate a local SIM card so that you can let your loved ones know at home that you are safe.
You can choose to buy a physical SIM and then switch it once you reach Greece.
There are plenty of options both at the airport and city center.
But your phone should be unlocked to change the SIM cards.
Once you install the Physical SIM, you will have a local number in Greece for data and calling.
If you have a newer model phone, install an e-SIM instead.
Do remember that with a data-only e-SIM, you cannot make local calls, but you can use Facetime, WhatsApp, etc. to make the calls.
Lastly, if you want to use your local number internationally, check with your tour operator on the international roaming charges.
I own a T-Mobile subscription, and it offers me an ample amount of international coverage.
Book: From Athens: Hydra, Poros, and Aegina Day Cruise with Lunch
Book: From Corfu: Day Cruise to Paxos, Antipaxos, & the Blue Caves
Traveling To Greece: Cash or Credit Cards? What Is Best To Have?
The main currency used in Greece is the Euro and you can easily get it from the ATMs.
Also, while the credit/debit cards are widely accepted in the cities and tourist attractions, I would still urge you to carry cash, especially if you are traveling to the local islands.
There are plenty of ferries and local markets where you might need to pay in cash.
There are currency exchange booths also available, but in my experience, ATMs are better for the exchange rates.
If you want peace of mind, then you can go to a local bank to exchange the money and get the best exchange rate.
I usually go to my personal bank at home before I leave on my trips to do my currency exchanges.
For credit card users, make sure to choose the option of local currency so that your local bank can do the conversion for the best rate.
Book: Athens: Acropolis, Parthenon & Acropolis Museum Guided Tour
Book: Athens: Acropolis & up to 5 Archaeological Sites Combo Pass
Notify Your Credit Card Company When Traveling to Greece
As someone who has had her credit cards temporarily blocked while traveling in a foreign country, I can assure you that it is not fun at all.
This is why I have learned that it is always best to inform your credit card company when you are traveling to Greece.
Yes, they have become better at detecting fraud detection so chances are low that they will block your card.
Check your credit card’s requirements and talk to your bank’s representative before leaving for your Greek vacation to make sure everything is sorted.
Book: Athens: Agistri, Moni, and Aegina Cruise with Lunch & Drinks
The Best Time To Visit Greece Is Spring And Fall
A lot of people will tell you to visit Greece in the summer, but I am here to tell you otherwise.
Summer is not only hot but the most crowded time to visit Greece as well. Plus, the hotels and flights are quite expensive too.
Travel to Greece in the Spring (April – early June) or Fall (September – October) season instead, when the weather is better with fewer crowds at most attractions.
Plus, you can get amazing deals on flights and hotels if you travel in the shoulder seasons.
My daughter travels to Greece every December, and it is not crowded at all!
Book: Athens: Cape Sounion & Poseidon Temple Sunset Half-Day Trip
Book: Santorini Port: Cruise to Volcano, Hot Springs & Thirassia
Carry A Travel Adapter For Greece
Another important thing to keep in mind when traveling to Greece is that they use type C and F plugs with 230V voltage.
So, you will need to carry a universal travel adapter to use your electronics in Greece.
If your gadgets aren’t dual-voltage, then carry a voltage converter also for your appliances like hairdryers, electric razors, and more.
Book: Porto Vromi: Navagio Shipwreck Beach & Blue Caves by Boat
Public Transport Is Great In Greece, But Driving Is Fun Too
In terms of public transport, Greece is quite accessible with buses and ferries connecting most parts of the country.
Athens also has a well-connected metro system, and you can take intercity buses (KTEL) for traveling around.
Of course, ferries and flights are the best way to enjoy island hopping.
That being said, driving is also a great way to travel around Greece. Roads are good, especially for exploring Crete, the Peloponnese, and Northern Greece.
Always remember that, in Greece, you drive on the right and you need an international driving permit (IDP) to drive if you are a non-EU traveler.
Parking is limited in small towns so plan accordingly.
Book: Zakynthos: Turtle Island & Keri Caves Glass-Bottom Boat Tour
Book: Athens: Meteora Monasteries Day Trip with Caves and Lunch
Greece Is Safe, But Be Wary Of Pickpocketers
Like most other touristy cities, Greece also has its share of petty thieves and pickpocketers.
So, be careful of your valuables when exploring Greece, especially in ferries and in busy areas such as Monastiraki (Athens).
Apart from this, Greece is quite safe for women, solo travelers, and families in general.
Book: Zakynthos: Shipwreck Beach with Blue Caves Land & Sea Tour
Pack Comfortable Shoes And Lots Of Sun Protection
Your Greece vacation will involve a lot of walking.
So, make sure to pack comfortable shoes and light, breathable clothes for exploring Greece.
Don’t forget to keep a hat, a scarf, water bottle, sunscreen, and modest outfits for religious visits.
There are shops in every city in case you forget anything, but it is always better to pack well from home.
Book: Athens: Food Market Visit and Cooking Class with Wine
Book: Adamas: Milos & Polyaigos Full-Day Sailboat Tour with Lunch
Traveling To Greece: Essential Packing List
Here are my tips on how to pack lightly when traveling to Greece.
This unisex RFID-blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors.
These RFID sleeves are another solution.
This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry with me on all of my trips.
My daughter gifted me this FugeTek selfie stick and tripod setup for my birthday. It is made of lightweight aluminum and is so easy to use.
I never leave home on a trip without my Bobble filtration bottle. The 18.5-ounce size is perfect for exploring.
And the replacement carbon filter ensures fresh, clean water whenever you fill the Bobble.
Then this collapsible silicone foldable water bottle would also work well for you.
This foldable water-resistant backpack would be great for a daily go-pack.
These quick-dry slip-on Aqua shoes will be useful when heading to the beaches in Greece.
These men’s quick-dry trunks are essential.
For women, this one-strap one-piece bathing suit is amazing.
Consider bringing along quick-dry super-absorbent microfiber towels.
This wet-dry bag with handles is a good option.
These unisex polarized sunglasses come in many lens colors and frame designs and are extremely affordable, too.
If you like aviator-style sunglasses, these polarized aviators may interest you.
As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from your qualifying purchases.
Tipping Is Not Mandatory in Greece
As with most European countries, tipping is not mandatory in Greece.
However, it is greatly appreciated. Do check your bill, though, to make sure there isn’t any service charge included while tipping.
For tip, you can do a basic round up of the bill or leave 5-10% in sit-down restaurants.
If you want to tip a guide or a driver, then 1-2 Euros is enough.
Book: Athens: Agora and Hephaistos Temple Entrance Ticket
Tap Water Is Safe in Athens, But Not On Islands
Coming to tap water, it is safe to drink in cities like Athens and Thessaloniki, but not so safe on the local islands.
This is why I would recommend you bring a reusable water bottle and fill it up wherever it is safe to drink.
Otherwise, you can buy bottled water.
Book: Hersonissos: Troy Dinner-Show Theatre Experience Tickets
Island Hopping Is Easy In Greece
One of the things about traveling to Greece is how easy it is to travel to different islands in Greece.
You can easily find ferries from the Athens’ Piraeus port to major islands such as Mykonos, Santorini, Crete, Paros, and so on.
For ferry bookings, you can either book it from the ferry operator’s website or use Ferryhopper website to find routes and book.
Another option is to book directly at the port.
Also, do check the flights for flying between the islands, as it can sometimes be cheaper than taking a ferry.
Book: Athens: Ferry Boat Ticket to/from Aegina Island
Book: Crete: Santorini Day Trip by Boat with Oia & Fira Visit
Try Local Cuisine For Delicious And Affordable Meals
Now, I always advise that you try a few meals in a country and then stock up on readymade meals or grocery from the local market.
But I won’t advise you the same in Greece because the food is good and budget-friendly.
If you want some delicious and cheap street food, then do try the Gyros and the Souvlaki here.
For some fancier meals, you can never go wrong with Greek salad, Moussaka, etc., and of course, Baklava and Loukoumades are a must for the dessert.
In Greece, the food portions are quite generous and sharing is common.
Check out the tavernas in Greece for the most authentic and affordable Greek meals.
Book: Athens Party Pub Crawl with Unlimited Drinks & Club Access
Book: Kamari: Greek Show, Buffet Dinner, and Drinks at Dimitris
Learn To Speak Basic Greek For Your Trip
Yes, you will find most people speaking English in Greece, especially at the tourist sites.
But it is always a good idea to learn a few basics in Greek, such as Kalimera (Good Morning), Parakalo (Please/You’re Welcome), and Efharisto (Thank You).
This can be helpful in the local markets and islands to communicate with the locals.
People are likely to be more friendly with you if you put in the extra effor
Book Your Attractions And Activities In Advance
If you are planning to travel Greece in the summer season, then do book your attractions and activities in advance.
This way, you can get a discount on the tickets and skip the lines at the attractions.
Take a guided tour to learn more about Greek history.
If you join a group trip, then your transportation is also sorted in most cases.
Book: Rhodes: Speedboat Trip to Symi with Free Time to Explore
Book: Santorini Gold Catamaran Cruise with Snorkel, BBQ & Open Bar
Traveling To Greece: Cultural Sites Close Early In Greece
When exploring Greece, do remember that many cultural sites close early by 3-5 PM, even during the summers.
So, you must start early with sightseeing and plan your day well.
For some cities like Athens, you can even buy the multi-day pass to save money and skip lines.
The pass includes the Acropolis and other major sites in Athens, so it is worth it.
Book: Athens: Food Market Visit and Cooking Class with Wine
Book: Milos: Half-Day Speedboat Cruise to Klefiko with Snorkeling
Check Free Entries For Attractions In Greece
For history buffs, there is a great news!
Many of the historical archaeological sites and museums in Greece offer free entry on the first Sunday of each month from November to March and during special holidays as well.
So, if you plan your trip well, you can visit sites such as Acropolis Museum, Ancient Agora, Temple of Olympian Zesus, and more for free.
Tip: Arrive early as it can get crowded on the free entry days.
Book: Acropolis: Acropolis and Parthenon Guided Walking Tour
Book: Mykonos Town: Archaeological Site of Delos Guided Day Trip
Traveling To Greece: Get Travel Insurance
Although it is not mandatory to get a travel insurance when exploring Greece, I do recommend getting one anyway.
Most healthcare plans don’t cover medical charges abroad, and it can also help you with compensation for trip delays, flight cancellations, and lost luggage.
If you are planning to do adventure sports in Greece, then make sure the travel insurance includes coverage for that as well.
Book: Athens: Street Food Tasting Tour
Book: From the Port of Kos: Full Day Boat Cruise to 3 Islands
Where To Stay In Greece
Bedbox Hostel, Athens – Looking for an affordable stay in Athens? Then, check out Bedbox Hostel which is close to the major attractions in the city.
Here, you can stay in air-conditioned dormitories or private rooms and have access to a shared kitchen and a cozy lounge area for a comfortable stay.
Lilium Hotel Santorini, Fira – Lilium Hotel Santorini is perfect for those who want to splurge and relax on their vacation.
What I love the most about this hotel is that it is located on the caldera’s edge and offers the most amazing views of the Aegean Sea and the volcano.
Plus, there is an outdoor pool with hydromassage facilities to make the most of your stay here!
Katikies Santorini, Oia – For a luxurious staycation, I would suggest Katikies Santorini in the picturesque village of Oia.
You can stay in rooms with private terraces that offer panoramic sea views, relax at the infinity pools overlooking the cadera, and enjoy gourmet dining experience.
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