Greece Travel Guide 2025 — Ultimate Travel Tips & 10 Smart Hacks

Quick Highlights

• Greece currency rate: €1 ≈ 103–104 local currency units (check live before booking).

• Athens → Santorini: Flights 45–55 minutes; ferries 4.5–11+ hours depending on vessel.

• Greece tour packages: Midrange 7–8 day tours usually €1,500–3,000 per person.

• Greece tourist visa: Schengen Type C visa required for most travelers, valid 90 days. Travel insurance (€30,000 minimum coverage) is mandatory.

• Food must-tries: Moussaka, souvlaki, Greek salad, tzatziki, seafood, baklava, tomato fritters, Assyrtiko wine.

• Famous places: Athens, Santorini, Mykonos, Meteora, Crete, Rhodes, Delphi.

• Hidden gems: Naxos, Sifnos, Zagori villages, Ikaria, Peloponnese, Milos.

1. Money Matters — Greece Currency Rate

The official currency in Greece is the euro (€). Recent exchange rates place €1 around 103–104 in some major currencies like INR.

Money tips:

• Keep €100–€150 in cash for taxis, rural tavernas, and small shops.

• Use debit/forex cards at ATMs — widely available across Greece.

• Always pay in euros (not converted local currency) for better rates.

Daily budget guide (excluding international flights):

• Budget: €40–60

• Midrange: €80–200

• Luxury: €250+

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2. Getting Around — Athens to Santorini

The Athens → Santorini journey is iconic and every traveler’s highlight.

Flights (time-saving):

• Duration: 45–55 minutes.

• Carriers: Aegean Airlines, Sky Express, Olympic Air.

• Best for short holidays where time matters.

Ferries (scenic option):

• Departure ports: Piraeus or Rafina.

• Fast ferries: 4.5–6 hours.

• Regular ferries: 6–11+ hours.

• Perfect for travelers who enjoy sea views.

Pro tip: Fly to Santorini and ferry back for a mix of speed and scenery.

3. Best Time to Visit + Greece Tour Packages

Seasons:

• Peak: July–August (hot, crowded, expensive).

• Shoulder: April–June & September–October (pleasant, fewer crowds, best value).

• Low: November–March (cooler, fewer tourists, great for culture trips).

Tour package ranges:

• Budget 5–6 days: €900–1,200

• Midrange 7–8 days: €1,500–3,000

• Luxury/Honeymoon: €3,500+

Always check inclusions — local flights, ferries, sightseeing passes, and cancellation terms.

4. Greece Tourist Visa — Schengen Guide

For up to 90 days, travelers require a Schengen short-stay Type C visa.

Steps:

1. Book appointment at visa center or consulate.

2. Submit documents: passport, photos, itinerary, accommodation, bank statements, cover letter.

3. Purchase travel insurance with minimum €30,000 coverage.

4. Pay visa fees and attend biometrics (photo + fingerprints).

5. Wait around 15 days for processing.

Tip: Apply at least 4–6 weeks before travel.

5. Famous Places to Visit

• Athens: Acropolis, Parthenon, Plaka, Archaeological Museum.

• Santorini: Oia sunsets, Fira caldera, Akrotiri ruins, volcanic beaches.

• Mykonos: Windmills, Little Venice, nightlife.

• Meteora: Monasteries perched on giant rock formations.

• Crete: Knossos Palace, Samaria Gorge, Elafonissi beach.

• Rhodes: Medieval Old Town, Lindos Acropolis.

• Delphi: Temple of Apollo, “navel of the world.”

6. Hidden Gems

For travelers seeking authenticity:

• Naxos: Beaches + mountain villages.

• Sifnos: Hiking, pottery, tavernas.

• Zagori: Dramatic gorges, stone bridges.

• Ikaria: Famous for long-living locals.

• Peloponnese: Nafplio, Monemvasia, Mani Peninsula.

• Milos: Turquoise volcanic beaches, quieter than Santorini.

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7. Example Greece Tour Packages

7-Day Island-Hopping:

• Day 1: Athens city tour.

• Day 2: Ferry to Mykonos.

• Day 3: Mykonos beaches/nightlife.

• Day 4: Ferry to Santorini.

• Day 5–6: Santorini highlights.

• Day 7: Return to Athens.

5-Day Athens + Santorini Quick Tour:

• Day 1: Athens sightseeing.

• Day 2: Flight to Santorini.

• Day 3: Explore Oia & Fira.

• Day 4: Beaches & Akrotiri ruins.

• Day 5: Return to Athens.

8. Taste the Culture — Greece Food Must-Try

Greek cuisine is fresh, healthy, and deeply flavorful.

Popular dishes:

• Souvlaki & gyros (pita wraps).

• Moussaka (eggplant, minced meat, béchamel).

• Greek salad with feta & olives.

• Tzatziki (yogurt dip).

• Grilled seafood (octopus, calamari).

• Baklava & loukoumades (desserts).

Island specialties:

• Santorini: tomato fritters, white eggplant, Assyrtiko wine.

• Crete: dakos (barley rusk with tomato & cheese).

9. Smart Greece Travel guide and Tips

• Travel insurance with €30,000 coverage is mandatory.

• English is widely spoken; Greek is the official language.

• Electricity: 230V, plug types C & F.

• Public buses are cheap and reliable; scooters popular on islands.

• Santorini & Mykonos are busiest in July–August — consider Naxos or Milos for quieter stays.

• Tipping: 5–10% in restaurants.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Do I need a visa for Greece?
Yes, if your nationality requires a Schengen visa. Type C visa covers up to 90 days.

Q2. What is the Greece currency rate now?
Greece uses the euro (€). Around €1 ≈ 103–104 in mid-2025 (check live).

Q3. How long is Athens → Santorini flight?
About 45–55 minutes.

Q4. How long is the ferry?
Fast ferries: 4.5–6 hours; regular ferries: 6–11+ hours.

Q5. How much does a 7-day tour cost?
Midrange 7–8 day tours cost €1,500–3,000 per person.

Q6. Is €30,000 insurance really required?
Yes, mandatory for Schengen visa applications.

Final Thoughts

Greece is more than a destination — it’s a journey through history, sea, sunsets, and unforgettable food.

Quick checklist before you go:
Check live euro exchange rates.
Buy Schengen-compliant travel insurance (€30,000+).
Book Athens → Santorini flights or ferries early.
Compare tour packages carefully.
Mix famous spots with hidden gems for a richer trip.