Greece

Greece has over 200 inhabited islands, and choosing the right ones for your trip depends on what you're after. Santorini is the most iconic — the caldera views, the whitewashed architecture, the sunsets from Oia — and it delivers, though it's also the most expensive and crowded. Mykonos is the social island, with a well-developed nightlife scene and beautiful beaches, though it's similarly pricey. Crete is the largest island and the most varied — ancient Minoan ruins, the Samaria Gorge, excellent food, and a range of landscapes from beach resorts to mountain villages. Milos has some of the most dramatic scenery in the Aegean, with volcanic rock formations and beaches that rival anywhere in Greece. Corfu is lush and green, with Venetian architecture and a more relaxed atmosphere. For a first trip, Santorini and Crete are the most rewarding combination; for repeat visitors, the smaller Cycladic islands — Folegandros, Sifnos, Naxos — offer more authenticity and fewer crowds.

Greece's peak season runs from July to August, when the islands are at their sunniest and most social but also most crowded and expensive. Santorini and Mykonos in particular become extremely busy, with accommodation prices at their highest. The shoulder months of May, June, and September are widely considered the best time to visit: the weather is warm enough for swimming, the crowds are thinner, and prices are lower. May is particularly good for the mainland and historical sites like Delphi and Olympia, when the landscape is green and the heat is manageable. October is the last month for reliable swimming weather on the islands and has a beautiful, quieter atmosphere. Winter on the islands is very quiet — many businesses close from November to April — but Athens is a year-round destination with a full cultural calendar.

Greece is one of the more affordable destinations in Western Europe, though costs vary significantly between the mainland, Athens, and the islands. Athens is very reasonable — accommodation, food, and transport are all cheaper than in most Western European capitals, and the city's major archaeological sites are excellent value. The islands are more expensive, particularly Santorini and Mykonos, where accommodation prices in peak season rival those of Paris or London. Eating at tavernas rather than tourist-facing restaurants near the main sights saves money and usually produces a better meal — fresh fish, grilled octopus, and a carafe of house wine at a local spot is one of the great affordable pleasures of Greek travel. Ferry travel between islands adds up if you're hopping between multiple destinations. Overall, Greece offers good value compared to Northern and Western Europe, particularly if you choose your islands carefully.

Greece is one of the easier Mediterranean destinations to navigate as a first-timer, but a few things are worth knowing. The Acropolis and other major archaeological sites require advance booking in peak season — tickets sell out, and showing up without one means long queues or no entry. Ferry schedules between islands can be complex, and booking in advance is strongly recommended in July and August when boats fill up. Greek meal times run late — lunch is typically from 2 to 4pm, and dinner rarely starts before 9pm, particularly in summer. Tipping is appreciated but not as mandatory as in the US — rounding up or leaving 10% at restaurants is standard. The Greek sun is intense in summer — UV levels are high, and burning happens faster than you'd expect. Finally, many of the most beautiful beaches in Greece are rocky or pebbly rather than sandy, and water shoes make a significant difference to the experience.

Getting around Greece requires a combination of approaches depending on your itinerary. Athens has a good metro system that connects the airport to the city center and the main tourist areas efficiently. For the islands, ferries are the primary mode of transport — Blue Star Ferries, Hellenic Seaways, and several other operators run routes across the Aegean, and booking in advance is essential in peak season. High-speed catamarans are faster but more expensive than conventional ferries. Flying between islands is an option for longer distances — Olympic Air and Sky Express serve many island airports — and can save significant time. On the islands themselves, renting a car, scooter, or quad bike is the most practical way to explore beyond the main towns, though scooter accidents are a common cause of tourist injuries and appropriate caution is warranted. The mainland is best explored by car or by the intercity bus network (KTEL).