Greece

Greece is really two trips: the classical mainland, and an island system of six main groups with very different characters. Ferries make island-hopping straightforward but slow, so most itineraries pick one group rather than crossing between them. Spring and autumn give the best mix of open businesses, swimmable sea and manageable crowds.

Cities

Athens

Athens rewards more time than the standard Acropolis stopover: the Acropolis Museum, the National Archaeological Museum and neighbourhoods like Koukaki and Exarcheia together make a strong three days. The centre is walkable and the metro reaches the port at Piraeus for ferries. Summer heat is severe, so plan ruins for early morning.

Nafplio

Nafplio is a Venetian and Ottoman harbour town under two fortresses, with neoclassical streets, bougainvillea and a sea-castle in the bay. It is the best base for the classical Peloponnese — Mycenae, Epidaurus and Ancient Corinth are all within an hour. Weekends are busy with Athenians; midweek is calm.

Naxos

Naxos is the biggest and most self-sufficient of the Cyclades: long west-coast beaches, a marble mountain interior with walking trails and old villages, and a harbour town below a Venetian kastro. It is cheaper and more relaxed than Santorini or Mykonos and works well for families. Ferries connect it to most of the group.

When to go

See all seasons

• Spring: Wildflowers and open archaeological sites; sea still cool.
• Summer: Hot and dry, meltemi winds in the Cyclades, peak crowds.
• Autumn: Warmest sea of the year and thinning crowds.

Entry & visas

Entry rules for this country aren't published here yet.

Always confirm entry rules with the official source before you book.