Plan a trip to Greece
Planning a trip to Greece can be both incredibly exciting and completely overwhelming. We’ve done it multiple times, yet each year presents new challenges as we flesh out the best Greece itinerary, including new places to discover and old favourites.
Most people want to include Greek Island hopping, but what about Athens and the rest of the mainland? How do you get there and then get around? Where are the best places to stay, and what are the ideal places to see in Greece? Are there Visa requirements? What about Insurance? How far out should I book? What will the weather be like? What to pack!?
All that, and lots more, is covered here.
Complete Planning Guide
Check here for a high-level overview of everything you need to know to plan a trip to Greece.
From Visas to money to what to pack – we’ve got it all listed out for you!
What to expect when planning a trip to Greece
It can seem very overwhelming to plan and book your own trip, but with the resources here, the Podcast and perhaps the help of our friendly Facebook Community, it can be done, and it can be fun!
Key things to know:
Planning Guide:
Check the Planning Guide above for all key information and considerations.
Booking Sequence:
Book your international flights first, then your ferries and domestic flights ( if available), then accommodation, then transfers and activities.Â
When to book:
- Flights usually become available 11 months out. Many airlines run sales, so sign up for their email alerts or follow them on social media.
- The major ferry schedules are published around November, but others may not be until the new year, or even later. Most routes run between Easter and late October.
Best time to visit Greece
Year Round for Athens
May & October for hiking and sightseeing
June – September for beaches, boating and the sea
How long to go for
At least 3 nights for Athens and any one island
2 weeks is great (but 3 is better)
How to get around Greece
Rent a car on the Mainland ( not Athens) and use the world’s biggest and most efficient ferry network for the islands
How do I put together a realistic Greece itinerary without overdoing it?
Most people try to see half the country in ten days and end up spending more time on ferries than on beaches. The trick is to choose fewer stops and give each one its own space to breathe.
Two islands plus Athens is enough for most trips. Keep transfers under four hours wherever possible and avoid backtracking, because the Aegean does not care about your tight schedule.
Which islands should I combine, and what routes actually make sense?
Island hopping only works when islands are in the same group or sit on the same ferry line.
Paros and Naxos pair beautifully, Milos links well with Sifnos – all of these work well with Santorini and Mykonos. Rhodes ties neatly to Symi, Crete works with Santorini, and the Ionian, Sporades and Saronic islands do not connect with any of the other groups.
Choose clusters, not random dots.
Should I fly or take a ferry between stops, and how early do I book?
Ferries are the classic choice, but they are weather-dependent and slower—flights save hours on longer legs, especially in peak season.
In summer, book both ferries and domestic flights early, because popular routes do sell out. Outside June to September, you can often wait, but do not leave major travel days to chance.
How many days should I stay on each island?
Three to four nights is the sweet spot for most islands. Tiny ones can be done in two, and larger places like Crete need at least a week.
Anything less than three nights on a major island usually turns into a rushed blur of suitcases, queues and regret.
Where should I stay in Athens and on each island?
In Athens, stay central enough to walk rather than fight traffic. Plaka, Koukaki, Syntagma and Thissio all work well depending on your style. READ MORE
On the islands, base yourself near the main town or a cluster of beaches if you want easy access to food, buses and activities. Remote villas are lovely but often impractical without a car.
How do I handle arrival logistics, transfers and hotel moves?
Unless travelling in the off-season, plan port and airport transfers before you land, because queues can be long and options limited on smaller islands.Â
Overwhelmed?
Book a face-to-face Trip Planning Consultation with the Founder of this website and podcast.
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