Greece Travel Guide
Greece is old and new, land and sea, wine and…more wine. Known for its rich history, breathtaking islands, and unforgettable nightlife, Greece is nothing short of paradise.
Island-hop like everybody’s watching
The Greek islands. Three simple words and you’re already imagining drinks on the beach in Paros, Insta-worthy sunsets in Santorini, and all-night parties in Mykonos or Ios. With 227 inhabited islands to choose from, there’s endless fun in the sun to be had. Each island is distinct, which means there’s a Greek island out there for everyone. Come for the coastal views and breezy beach life, stay for the quaint neighborhoods with cobblestoned streets and boutique shops just oozing with charm. One thing’s for sure: when you’re on island time, life is good.
Hold my gyro
Greek cuisine is…well, legendary. You like olive oil? Greece started it. How ‘bout feta cheese? Thanks, Greece. Seafood? Okay, Greece can’t claim that one, but they’ve pretty much perfected it. Surrounded by the Ionian, Mediterranean, and Aegean Seas, the fish in Greece is fresh as can be. Smaller staples include anchovies and sardines, both abundant in the Aegean (and FYI, sardines are often served with the head on, as that indicates freshness!). Popular seafood mezedes (the term for an appetizer-style dish meant to be shared) include fried calamari or grilled octopus, often served simplistically with oil and lemon juice. And once you visit Greece, you’ll quickly discover that enjoying a meal is as much about what’s on your plate as it is who’s around the table. Family and friends gather regularly to eat, drink, and be very merry—which tends to lead to more eating and drinking. Not a bad cycle if you ask us.
Civilization, but make it old
Greece has existed for a looooong time. And while it may not be the oldest civilization around, it’s arguably one of the most significant—it was the birthplace of democracy, after all. Perhaps the most famous place to experience ancient Greece up-close is the Acropolis of Athens. And when you walk among the remains of this citadel today, be sure to thank Pericles for his efforts back in the 5th century BC. Ancient Greece can be felt in just about every city, island, and neighborhood throughout the country. It’s safe to say, in Greece, everything’s got a story.
Experience Greece
It’s about time you had some “opa!” in your life.
Majestic islands
Sun, shining. You, thriving. Wine and tan lines guaranteed.
Snap a photo of Ios’ iconic cliff-top windmills
Ancient history
Life in Greece goes waaaay back.
Hike to the top of Athens’ ancient & famous Acropolis
Endless indulgences
Trust us, you’ll never run out of things to do, eat, or drink.
Sample ouzo, the local anise-flavored aperitif, at a taverna
Flights. Hotels. Activities. Rockstar Tour Director that knows a local taverna with the best fried calamari.
This is group travel with EF Ultimate Break. Expertly crafted itineraries, everything included. We keep your stress levels low and holy-s#!t-that-was-awesome levels high.
Lowdown
Language: Greek
Currency: Euro
Capital: Athens
Go-To Ingredient: Olive oil
Must See: Parthenon, duh
Must Instagram: Santorini sunset
Soak Up: The Aegean Sea
Sip On: Ouzo or red wine
Stay Up: Till sunrise
By the Beard Of: Zeus
Phrases to know
Hello / Goodbye: YAH-soo
Thank You: Eff-kha-ri-STOE
Where is...?: Poh-EE-nay
Cheers!: STIN-eh YAH-mas
Opa!: Excitement, enthusiasm, or surprise
Kafenio: Greek café
Ellinikos: Coffee
Peratzatha: People-watching
Filoxenia: Reflects Greece’s warm hospitality, meaning “friend to a stranger”
Eat like a local
More than just feta cheese, baklava, gyros, and olives—satisfy your Olympus-sized appetite with these other Greek staples.
Gemista
Tomato, pepper, or zucchini stuffed with rice (or meat) and herbs, served with yogurt sauce for dipping.
Italy & the Greek Islands
15 days. 5 cities. First: culture and carbs in Florence and Rome. Then: island beaches.
Rome, the Amalfi Coast & Greece
11 days. 5 cities. Roman history meets the Italian coast meets Greek mythology.
We know a spot or two
We could go on and on about Greece’s iconic destinations. And we’re going to. Right now.
Pro tips
- Credit cards will mostly be accepted, but have cash on hand for some of the islands.
- Bring a water bottle and stay hydrated in the sun at all times.
- Bring some small bottles of sunscreen and tanning lotion. It will be more expensive by the beach.
- Pack light! You will be carrying your luggage to and from the accommodations and sometimes the drivers can’t fit on the smaller roads.
- The Orthodox Church holds a lot of presence in Greece, especially in the older generation. Prepare to cover your knees and shoulders if you want to enter a church or monastery.
- There’s a Mediterranean belief that nothing needs to be hurried, so service in a restaurant or transportation is often slowed.
- Locals usually have lunch around 3pm and dinner around 9pm-midnight. It’s polite to eat everything on your plate!
Greece inspo
These travelers went Greek 👇 —will you?
5/5 on the olive meter
Our travelers love visiting Greece, and they aren’t afraid to tell us.
“This trip was AMAZING! My first time in Europe and I’ll never forget it. There was a good balance between group activities and solo ventures. It was really nice not having to think about anything because all lodging and transportation was taken care of. We had the BEST tour guide treating us like we were his own and making sure we were safe. He was informative about his country and very helpful.”
—Evelyne, EF Ultimate Break traveler
Our kick-a** Tour Directors
We ❤️ them—and you will too.
Alexandra
“I’m a Greek girl and I live in Athens, my favorite place in the world—the place where theater was born (and yes, I’m an actress!). Being a Tour Director is the best gift I could ever ask for. I love traveling, meeting new people, making new friends, and sharing my knowledge of the places I’ve been. I also love dancing, singing, laughing, and chasing sunsets has become my latest obsession. My goal is to create a huge multinational family among my travelers all over the world. Join me to live out your own Greek myth and have the time of your life!”
Kyriakos
“I was born and raised on the island of Crete, famous for its beautiful beaches, delicious food and hospitable people. I’ve travelled to more than 30 countries and lived in two, but I’m always drawn back to Greece. It must be the warm sun, the blue of the Aegean Sea, and the beautiful people. As a Tour Director for EF Ultimate Break, I love introducing my travelers to the beauty of my country.”
Nikos
“Yassas! I was born and raised in Athens, a city full of myths and history. I am a gyro connoisseur and I love how my country combines natural beauty with archaeological wonders. Showing people the hidden corners of Greece is my passion—that’s why I love being a Tour Director for EF Ultimate Break.”
Andreas
“I grew up in Athens, a city rich in history yet so vibrant, and only a couple of hours away from any of the Greek Islands. Lucky me! I enjoy sailing, discovering new places in Greece, and meeting people from different backgrounds. Through exchanging ideas and cultures, I learn something new about myself. I think that is the essence of traveling and the reason I enjoy so much what I do as a Tour Director. As the ancient Greek proverb says: ‘I grow old, but I never stop learning.’ Let us learn and discover together!”
Eirini
“As a child of East Africans who immigrated to Greece, I feel I have traveling and exploring in my blood. Being a Tour Director has inspired me to ignite that same sense of exploration within travelers. Because exploration is all that matters! And traveling is one of the greatest experiences one can give themselves to challenge, reinvent, and accept who they are in this vast world. And when you’re on the plane home, staring from the window at the endless blue sea for your final goodbye, I hope you feel what a small but indispensable part of this world you are.”
Still undecided? We’ll help you find the perfect trip.
Our expert Trip Consultants are waiting to hear from you. Seriously. They freakin’ love helping travelers figure out their dream trips.
