a guide to greece

There are few places in the world where the ancient and the everyday coexist so effortlessly. In Greece, thousand-year-old ruins double as your dinner view, the sea is always just around the corner, and time slows down. 

Planning your first trip to Greece? Here's everything you need to know to fall in love with the land of gods, gyros, and golden light. 

WHEN TO GO 
Timing matters in Greece. And summer isn’t always the best bet. 

• May to early June and September to mid-October are ideal: the weather’s warm, the water’s swimmable, the crowds are lighter, and prices are more reasonable. 

• July and August? Gorgeous, yes, but also hot, packed, and pricey. Ferries fill up and the sun can be brutal. 

• Winter (November–March) is a hidden gem season in cities like Athens and Thessaloniki - fewer tourists, cozy tavernas, and moody ruins with a quiet kind of magic.

If you're a fan of nature, consider April — Greece is surprisingly lush in spring, with blooming wildflowers, green hills, and cooler hiking weather. It’s a totally different vibe from the sun-bleached peak season, and one most tourists miss.

WHERE TO GO, AND WHY
You could go to Greece ten times and still only scratch the surface. But for a first-timer, here are the destinations worth considering: 

Athens 
Not just a stopover. Athens is bold and buzzing - a city where ancient ruins sit next to rooftop cocktails, and graffiti-covered streets lead to Michelin-starred restaurants. Visit the Acropolis, but also explore neighborhoods like Koukaki, Psyrri, and Exarchia. 

Santorini 
Famous for a reason. Yes, the sunsets are magical. But look beyond Oia and Fira — quieter villages like Pyrgos or Megalochori give you all the beauty with fewer crowds. Ideal for romance, views, and volcanic wine.

Paros, Naxos, or Milos 
Each offers a more relaxed alternative to Mykonos - still stunning, but with better prices, less party noise, and arguably better food. Think whitewashed villages, hidden beaches, and authentic island life. 

Mykonos 
Known for its beach clubs and glamorous nightlife, Mykonos is the go-to island for travelers looking to party or spot celebrities. But there’s more than meets the eye: explore the charming alleyways of Mykonos Town, watch the windmills at sunset, and take a boat to nearby Delos, one of Greece’s most important archaeological sites. 

Crete 
Massive and multi-layered. Crete has its own culture, dialect, cuisine, and terrain. It's perfect for travelers who want a mix of mountains, beaches, archaeological sites, and vibrant cities like Chania and Heraklion. 

Meteora, Delphi, and Mainland Greece 
Greece isn't just about the islands. Meteora’s cliff-perched monasteries and Delphi’s mystical ruins offer dramatic, spiritual experiences inland. Pair them with quaint mountain towns like Arachova or seaside Nafplio. 

For something different, consider Thessaloniki, Greece’s second city, known for its Byzantine history, buzzy nightlife, and phenomenal street food. It’s youthful, walkable, and full of surprises. 

SUGGESTED 10-DAY ITINERARY FOR THE FIRST-TIME VISITORS 

Day 1–3: Athens Start with history. Visit the Acropolis early (before the heat and crowds), explore the Acropolis Museum, and wander through the neighborhoods of Plaka and Monastiraki. Catch sunset from a rooftop bar or head to Mount Lycabettus for panoramic city views. Optional day trip: ancient Delphi or a coastal drive to Cape Sounion. 

Day 4–7: Paros or Naxos Take a ferry to a Cycladic island that blends beach life with authenticity. Spend your mornings swimming at quiet coves, afternoons exploring hilltop villages like Lefkes or Apeiranthos, and evenings dining seaside. Consider a sailing excursion or a visit to local farms and wineries. 

Day 8–10: Santorini End on a dramatic note. Explore the caldera paths between Fira and Oia, visit the lesser-known village of Pyrgos, and take a catamaran cruise around the island. Enjoy wine tasting at a cliffside vineyard and relax on the black-sand beaches before heading home.

Optional: For something less touristy, swap Santorini for Crete and enjoy a deeper dive into Greek island life with more variety and space to explore. 

WHAT TO PACK 
Greece is effortlessly stylish yet wonderfully practical.You’ll want to feel both comfortable and put together. 

• Light, breathable pieces (linen shirts, flowy dresses, easy sandals) • A light jacket or scarf for cooler evenings or visits to monasteries and churches • Comfortable walking shoes - those cobblestones are no joke • Swimsuit, sunglasses, and reef-safe sunscreen • European plug adapter (Greece uses Type C & F) 

Pro tip: Skip the heels! Between ferry steps, marble staircases, and island streets, wedges or flats will serve you much better. 

Luggage: What to Pack It All In 
If you can, stick to a carry-on. You won’t need heavy layers or bulky items in Greece, and packing light will save you major hassle, especially when navigating ferries, cobblestone streets, and tight staircases in island hotels. 

• A durable carry-on suitcase (hard-shell works great for ferries and cobblestones) 
• A personal item like a large tote or backpack that can double as your day bag 
• A small crossbody or belt bag for daily essentials and hands-free exploring 
• A dry bag or waterproof pouch if you’ll be out on boats or kayaking 
• A packable tote for beach days, shopping, or overflow 

Lugging a huge checked bag up narrow stairs in Santorini or squeezing it into a ferry cabin is not the vibe.Travel light and thank yourself later! 

WHAT TO EAT (AND DRINK) 
You haven’t lived until you’ve had a seaside lunch that lasts three hours and includes none of the dishes you expected. 

Must-tries: Saganaki (fried cheese), fresh-caught fish, souvlaki, moussaka, spanakopita, and anything involving fresh veggies like cucumbers and tomatoes. 

Regional specialties: 

• Fava in Santorini 
• Kleftiko in Athens 
• Graviera cheese in Crete 
• Loukoumades (Greek doughnuts) — look for them at small, local bakeries 

Wash it down with Assyrtiko wine or a glass of ouzo, if you’re feeling brave. Ouzo is anise-flavored and iconic. Or try tsipouro, a stronger, unflavored grape-based spirit especially beloved on the mainland - perfect for sipping slowly with meze. 

FINAL THOUGHT: Come for the Ruins, Stay for the Way of Life 
Greece isn’t just a destination… it’s a feeling. It’s slow lunches that stretch into long afternoons, locals who treat you like family, and a kind of beauty that doesn’t ask for attention; it just is. You’ll leave with a tan, a full heart, and probably a few extra olives (or bottles of wine) in your suitcase. 

And like most travelers, you’ll already be planning your return before you’ve even left.