Greece offers something for everyone. Whether you're a club enthusiast or crave a peaceful beach vacation, Greece has it all. If you're into museums and historical sites, or seeking an adventure-packed vacation, Greece is the ideal destination.
For beach lovers, the Greek islands and Sithonia resorts are paradise. If you're an outdoor enthusiast, consider diving in Crete (in spots like Skinaria, Panormo, and Samaria) and Santorini, or try thrilling activities like rafting, hiking, windsurfing (popular in Naxos, Paros, Mykonos, Rhodes, Ios, Crete, or Lefkada), and sailing.
For those who enjoy vibrant nightlife, head to the Kassandra Peninsula. Don't worry; there are plenty of cultural treasures like museums, monasteries, and excavations to explore throughout Greece.
2. When?
During the winter months, Greece is a great destination for skiing enthusiasts who enjoy hitting the local slopes. You can also catch the vibrant carnivals in Kastoria or Patras. The Kastoria carnival takes place three days after Christmas, while the Patras carnival lasts for a month, starting in mid-January.
Spring is perfect for sightseeing, as the weather is still warm, and the landscape is in full bloom. March is particularly exciting as Greece celebrates Independence Day with lively festivities, parades, and more.
From May to June, Greece becomes an ideal beach destination. The temperatures are pleasantly warm, averaging around 26-28 degrees Celsius, and the sea is perfect for swimming. Consider destinations like Halkidiki, Rhodes, Corfu, or Crete. However, for the latter part of summer, especially in the north of the country or on Corfu Island, the proximity to the sea helps mitigate the scorching forty-degree heat. Plus, you won't be bored since Greece hosts a wine festival and the International Sailing Regatta from mid-July until fall.
3. Greek cuisine: what to try
Greek cuisine is renowned for its diverse and flavorful dishes, often served in generous portions. You must try the traditional Greek moussaka and the refreshing cold cucumber tzatziki sauce with garlic and yogurt, which pairs perfectly with main courses or as a dip for warm pita bread.
Make sure to visit one of the family-run restaurants and savor dishes like spanakopita (spinach pie), pastitsio (a pasta casserole with meat/vegetables and cream sauce), or fassolada (white bean and tomato soup). For dessert, indulge in the delightful puff pastry galaktoboureko filled with custard. And, of course, don't miss the opportunity to sample various Greek cheeses, with Greek feta being a standout choice.
4. A little bit about safety
Greece is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, like in many places, petty theft and fraud can occur, so it's wise to keep these simple safety guidelines in mind:
- Avoid using private cabs; opt for official carriers, negotiate the fare before boarding, and ensure the driver activates the meter.
- In larger cities, avoid carrying substantial amounts of cash openly or withdrawing it from ATMs in public view.
- Safeguard your documents and money by storing them in the hotel safe or in a secure, inconspicuous location.
For solo female travelers, some resorts like Kavos (in Kerkyra), Laganas (Zakynthos), and Faliraki (Rhodes) may not be the best choices without a companion. Additionally, traveling alone in rural or remote areas might not be well-received by the locals, especially for female travelers.
5. Work schedule
Greek establishments and institutions have unique opening hours, which can be somewhat inconsistent. Here's a general overview:
- Churches and monasteries often open on holidays, and for historic buildings, you may need to visit the caretaker's home and request access, usually for a nominal fee.
- Larger stores typically open at 8:30-9:00 and close at 19:00-20:00 with a long siesta break. Supermarkets operate from 8:00 to 20:00 on weekdays and Saturdays.
- Pharmacies are open Monday to Friday from 9:00-10:00 to 17:00-18:00, and some private pharmacists and on-call pharmacies are open on Saturdays.
- Churches are usually open during service times from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm and 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. Monasteries may open in the mornings and, in the summer, in the evenings from about 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm (3:30 pm to 6:30 pm in winter).
- Museums are typically open daily, except on Mondays, from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm, with extended hours in some during the summer, often until 19:00.
In larger tourist cities, you can expect more consistent opening hours for tourist attractions.
Enjoy your trip to Greece!
