Travel advice for Greece
From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Greece
Book your individual trip, stress-free with local travel experts
written by Rough Guides Editors
updated 21.10.2020
The word “epic” is overused, especially in travel. Epic adventures, epic views, epic journeys. Come on – when your hotel’s breakfast buffet is epic, is anything? The word more correctly (some might say snootily) refers to those long (some might say interminable) tales of heroic adventure from classical times, particularly classical Greek times.
The first ever Rough Guide was to Greece, back in 1982. It represented a different kind of travel – a departure from the package holiday prescriptions and an off-the-beaten-track mindset. But it certainly wasn’t “epic”, not in the way those classical Greek dudes meant it – this new Rough Guide to Greece, though, is bona fide epic. Very epic indeed.
With its six thousand or so islands, travel in Greece has always been a bit special. Travel in Ancient Greece is something else again. Yes, you’ve got the relentless pounding sun, but you’ve also got the relentless pounding foes. You’ll encounter legends come to life and legends trying to take your life. There will be myths, miracles and magic. But there’ll also be the bread and butter of any fabulous trip: heartbreakingly beautiful light; warm waters lapping at your toes; boat trips; heart-warming interactions with locals; and endless vistas that will remind you once and for all that you’re alive.
10 days / from2657 USD
The Historical and Mythological Cyclades islands
The Cyclades islands include two of the most famous Greek Islands: Mykonos and Santorini. Visit these and some of the smaller, quieter, islands. With white washed houses, narrow cobbled streets, blue domed roofs and stunning beaches, they are what Greece is all about.
customize ⤍9 days / from2246 USD
A secluded villa stay on Mainland Greece
Stay in a secluded private villa with magnificent views to the sea and explore this beautiful corner of Mainland Greece with your own rental car. Under the impressive Mt Taygetos in Southern Peloponnese, the region of Mani will give you a snapshot of authentic Greece.
customize ⤍10 days / from2030 USD
Along the Coast of Crete: from Heraklion to Platanias
As Greece's largest island, Crete's culture and atmosphere is distinctly different from mainland Greece. Thousands of years of unique culture and rich history complement the island's untamed natural beauty. Explore Crete at your own pace with this unique self-drive trip!
customize ⤍8 days / from1609 USD
Cultural and natural sites of Athens and the Peloponnese
Welcome to wonderful Athens for an unforgettable adventure. Enjoy getting lost in this maze of charming streets, where the modern sits beautifully with the ancient. Venture out into the Peloponnese on mainland Greece, and discover historical, cultural and natural wonders the region is blessed with.
customize ⤍10 days / from3472 USD
An Odyssey Adventure in Ancient Greece
Learn the secrets of Ancient Greek mythology and history visiting the world-renowned site of the Acropolis, explore the unspoiled landscape of Peloponnese, become a true Spartan warrior in Thermopylae and much more - this self drive tour takes you on a real Greek adventure.
customize ⤍15 days / from2711 USD
Explore Classical Greece: self-drive motorhome trip
This 15-days motorhome road trip will take you to Athens, the city of legends and some of the most fascinating classical sites, such as Epidaurus, Olympia, Delphi and the man-made marvels of the Corinth Canal and Byzantine monasteries of Meteora. A perfect tour for history.
customize ⤍4 days / from950 USD
Athens: City of the Gods
Welcome to wonderful Athens. Wander this maze of charming streets, where the modern sits beautifully with the ancient; discover the Acropolis and the Parthenon, the crowning architectural achievements of the Classical Age; indulge your sense with delicious Mediterranean food at local tavernas.
customize ⤍9 days / from2365 USD
Discover Naxos in style
Stay in a secluded private villa and explore Naxos at your own pace in your own rental car. Lasting just above 1 week, this itinerary leaves plenty of room for relaxation and exploration of the amazing island of Naxos, with its authentic mountainous villages and magnificent sea views.
customize ⤍8 days / from1544 USD
Epirus and Athens: The Ancient Sites
Discover the ancient cities of the Epirus region and Athens. Shrouded in myths and legends of Greek gods and Roman and Byzantine warriors, the sites in the Epirus region of Greece, temples, castles, fortresses and rivers, all have tales to tell.
customize ⤍9 days / from2549 USD
An exclusive stay in Milos
Get to know the most exotic island in the Aegean by staying in a private luxury villa by the sea. Volcanic rocks paint the beaches red, pink and orange, white rock formations, emerald green waters and caves eroded by the sea, are steeped in stories of pirates. Milos is truly unique.
customize ⤍10 days / from3672 USD
Greek Island-Hopping Honeymoon
Hop between the islands of Milos, Naxos, and Amorgos on this romantic trip. Drive around stunning coastlines, explore mountain villages, visit ancient sites, and luxuriate on golden beaches as you are transfixed by the allure of the Aegean’s turquoise waters.
customize ⤍7 days / from1534 USD
Relaxing discovery of classical Greece
Spend a wonderful few days exploring Athens and the ancient sites surrounding the capital on mainland Greece. Blessed with glorious weather, nature and beaches, see sites that rival anything which you may find on the Greek Islands.
customize ⤍11 days / from4828 USD
From Athens to Milos, Naxos and Santorini
Stay in Athens, Milos, Naxos, and Santorini, as well as a day trip to Mykonos. Immerse in history at the Acropolis, bask in the Cycladic charm of Milos, explore Naxos's ancient sites, and savor sunsets in Santorini. Cruise the Aegean, savor food tours, and relish private excursions.
customize ⤍13 days / from4363 USD
Greek Dreams: Athens, Corfu, Santorini and Crete
A private journey through Athens, Corfu, Santorini, and Crete, staying in exquisite accommodations. Explore ancient history, savor Mediterranean cuisine, and unwind in stunning settings, creating beautiful memories throughout.
customize ⤍8 days / from1793 USD
Athens, Meteora & Santorini
Experience Greece's best: Athens' culture, culinary adventures, Meteora's monastic marvels, and the breathtaking beauty of Santorini. An unforgettable journey awaits!
customize ⤍10 days / from5519 USD
Majestic Greece: Temples, Castles, Monasteries & Myths
Go on an epic fast paced 10-day journey with a private driver through Greece's ancient wonders and natural beauty. From Athens to Olympia, Meteora to Delphi, experience history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes, all culminating in a journey of a lifetime. Recommended for the months Apr-Oct.
customize ⤍9 days / from3931 USD
Mainland & Islands: Athens, Paros and Santorini
Embark on a 9-day Greek odyssey! Begin with an Athens Acropolis tour, relax on the idyllic island of Paros, and then immerse yourself in the enchanting beauty of Santorini. Explore history, unwind on stunning beaches, and relish unforgettable moments on this incredible journey.
customize ⤍A vision of bona fide classical Greek splendour, with real Olympic Games connotations to boot.
Classical Greek ornaments and building, Elis
One look at the bucolic “breadbasket of the Peloponnese” and you’ll be in love.
Mountainous landscape with the ocean in the distance at sunset
Only the cradle of Western civilization at the peak of its powers – no big deal.
You might expect the homeland of Odysseus to be a bit, well, fancier – but it is Kephallonia’s rural gorgeousness that’s the real draw.
Seemingly in a state of perpetual autumn, this magical island group’s big hitter is the legendary island of Lesbos.
Who knew a volcanic island could be so beautiful? We have the smouldering good looks of Melos’ omnipresent obsidian to thank for that.
Ancient pillar located on the seabed
One for the volcano hunters and thrill seekers, Thera will keep you on your toes.
To discover Assassin's Creed Odyssey in the real world, take a look at Rough Guides Tailor-Made Trips itinerary exploring Athens, Naxos and Mykonos.
written by Rough Guides Editors
updated 21.10.2020
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From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Greece
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