Greece

Greece (the Hellenic Republic) is a country in Southeastern Europe brimming with tourist destinations and attractions. The cradle of western civilization abounds with sites that originated before the battle of Thermopylae occurred. Furthermore, this ancient Mediterranean nation prides itself on its Roman and Byzantine heritage, attractive seaside, and some of the world's best beaches and most beautiful islands. And with our Greece guide, you'll learn how to travel the country to enjoy its beauty and diversity in full.

From northwest to northeast, Greece borders Albania, North Macedonia, Bulgaria, and Turkey. Moreover, it accesses the Ionian, Mediterranean (surprise, surprise), and Aegean seas, occupying around 6,000 islands. Next, the Hellenic Republic of Greece is a mountainous country full of nature reserves. Lastly, its largest cities are Athens, the capital, and Thessaloniki by far. 

Greece Guide: Top Tourist Destinations to Visit and Things to Do

Among other sites, the country boasts:

• The Acropolis of Athens—with Parthenon and Erechtheion
• Mount Olympus
• Orthodox-Christian Meteora monasteries
• Epidaurus Theatre
• Ancient Corinth
• And the Mycenae Archaeological Site

Thus, it is a paradise for sightseeing. Also, you'll enjoy the well-known hospitality and friendliness of Greeks and rich nightlife. 

Moreover, Greece will delight you with its delicious food. Treat your taste buds with plump or dried olives, high-quality olive oil, locally-produced honey (orange, thyme, etc.), Gyros, Moussaka, Tzatziki, and fresh seafood. 

In Athens, visit the Acropolis, Benaki, and National Archaeological museums and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. Also, shop in Plaka, explore National Gardens and take guided tours to ancient sites of Delphi and Cape Sounion. 

In Thessaloniki, tour the White Tower, Museum of Byzantine History and Art, Vladaton Monastery, and the Church of St. Demetrios. In nearby Halkidiki, take a Mount Atos (Holy Mountain) cruise, check out Aristotle's Park, and sunbathe on the heavenly beaches of the Sithonia peninsula.

Ultimately, enjoy discovering Pindos (near Ioannina), Mount Olympus, and Parnitha (north of Athens) national parks. 

Quick Top Greek Islands and Beaches Guide

Moreover, explore worldwide-famous islands, such as: 

• Santorini—a legendary Atlantis
• Mykonos—a top European nightlife destination
• Corfu—Green Island of the Ionian Sea and a culinary hotspot
• Crete—the homeland of the Minoans, who founded the earliest civilization in Europe
• And Skiathos and Skopelos, filming sites of Mamma Mia

As for the emerald, turquoise, and other beaches, these are some you wouldn't want to miss on your trip to Greece:

• Navagio Beach, Zakynthos, featuring the shipwreck you see on postcards you keep receiving from travelers from Greece
• Myrtos Beach, Kefalonia, featured in the Captain Corelli's Mandolin movie
• Porto Katsiki, Lefkada—a narrow pebble beach dominated by a high cliff
• Colorful beaches of Santorini (Perissa, Perivolos, and others) with black and red volcanic sands
• Elafonisi, Crete, boasting crystal-clear waters in a lagoon setting

Guide to Greece: How to Travel Greek Islands and Mainland

The Republic of Greece may be mountainous, but it is a small country. Thus, you can get between tourist destinations easily and quickly, regardless of the actual distance or the transport option you choose. 

Can I Travel Greece by Airplane?

Athens and Thessaloniki airports are the principal airline gateways to the Hellenic Republic. However, flying from international destinations to many Greek islands and between them is an option, too. So, you may travel to Corfu, Kefalonia, Crete, Rhodes, and Santorini by airplane, either directly or with a stopover. 

What Train Routes Do Travelers Use?

Next, railway routes interesting to most travelers are:

• Athens–Thessaloniki
• Athens–Patras
• Thessaloniki–Kalambaka (Meteora)
• Athens–Kalambaka

Note that Greek trains run up to 200 km/125 mi per hour, which makes them slower than high-speed trains in western Europe. Thus, plan longer travel times to reach your intended destination. 

What Are Main Ferry and Cruise Ports?

Cruise and ferry ports allow holidaymakers and other commuters to travel between the Greek islands and the mainland and places abroad.

Some principal ports and main routes tourists take to get to the Mediterranean, Aegean, and Ionian destinations are: 

• Piraeus, the port of Athens—the ideal starting point to the Cyclades (Naxos, Mykonos, Santorini, Paros, Ios, etc.). Here you can also catch a ferry to the Saronic (Aegina, Hydra) and the Dodecanese (Rhodes, Kos) islands. Finally, there is a regular ferry route between Piraeus and Heraklion, Crete.
• You can sail to the North Aegean islands of Thasos, Limnos, and some others from Kavala, in East Macedonia and Thrace.
• Furthermore, get to the Sporades (Skiathos, Skopelos, and Alonissos) in a few hours from Volos, in Thessaly
• Finally, Igoumenitsa—in Thesprotia, Epirus—is the principal ferry and cruise port in the Ionian Sea. From there, you can get to Corfu and Paxos, even Venice, Bari, and Ancona in Italy. To travel to the southern Ionian Islands—Ithaki, Kefalonia, and Zakynthos—Nidri (Lefkada), Astakos (Xiromero), or Kyllini (Peloponnese) harbors should suit you better. 

Exploring Greece by Car—Is it Worth?

You can get between top tourist destinations in Greece by car via main roads with ease. These connect large and many small cities and towns. If you take short breaks, a journey from Athens, the Greek capital, to Thessaloniki or Igoumenitsa (via Patras) should last less than eight hours. 

Note, however, that fuel prices in Greece are among the highest in Europe. So, fill your tank to the top before coming here.

For further information, insights, and tips for your Greek tour, check out the rest of our Greece guide or refer to the travel blog. Lastly, feel free to drop us a message if you need assistance.