Greece
Greece is a destination filled with light, colour and ancient beauty, where island beaches, whitewashed villages, historic cities and warm hospitality come together in a way that feels instantly uplifting.
Greece
Greece is best known for its islands, mythology, ancient ruins, blue-domed churches, clear seas, fresh Mediterranean food and relaxed outdoor lifestyle, but its real charm is the way it blends history with simple holiday pleasure.
Athens brings the Acropolis, lively neighbourhoods and rooftop evenings under the glow of the Parthenon, while the islands offer everything from quiet fishing harbours to golden beaches and family-friendly resorts. Crete feels almost like a country in itself, with mountain villages, Venetian harbours, archaeological sites and beautiful beaches, while Rhodes, Corfu, Kos and Halkidiki each offer their own version of the Greek escape.
Greece is ideal for travellers who want sunshine with soul: beach days, boat trips, long lunches, old towns, local markets and evenings that drift naturally from sunset into dinner. It is easy to visit for a straightforward summer holiday, but it also rewards those who take time to explore beyond the main resort streets.
Latest Offers
Discover our latest Greece holiday offers, from island escapes and beach resorts to Athens city breaks, family holidays and relaxed Mediterranean getaways. Whether you are looking for a hotel by the sea, a flexible package, a couples’ escape or a longer summer stay, our Greece offers are designed to help you find a holiday that feels warm, easy and memorable.
Visa
Greece is part of the Schengen Area. UK passport holders can usually visit Greece for short tourism stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period without needing a visa, although passports must meet Schengen validity rules. Travellers may be asked to show a return or onward ticket and proof of enough money for their stay.
The EU Entry/Exit System is being implemented across the Schengen Area, so border processes may take longer than before, although travellers should follow the instructions given at their specific port of entry.
Entry rules can change, so it is always best to check the latest official travel advice before booking or travelling.
Climate
Greece has a largely Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers, mild winters and plenty of sunshine through the main holiday season. June to September is the classic time for beach holidays, island stays and swimming in warm seas, while July and August are the busiest and hottest months.
May, early June, September and early October are often especially rewarding, with warm weather, more comfortable sightseeing conditions and a calmer feel in many resorts. Spring and autumn are also excellent for exploring Athens, ancient sites, walking routes and traditional villages without the strongest summer heat.
Available Transport Options in Greece
Getting around Greece depends on the kind of holiday you are planning. City breaks are easy with public transport and taxis, island holidays usually rely on transfers, buses, ferries and occasional domestic flights, while car hire can be very useful for exploring beaches, villages and inland scenery at your own pace.
Air Travel
Greece has a strong airport network, with Athens International Airport as the main gateway and other important airports including Thessaloniki, Heraklion, Chania, Rhodes, Corfu, Kos, Santorini and Mykonos. Many island airports receive seasonal direct flights from the UK during the summer months, which makes beach holidays straightforward. Athens is also useful for wider itineraries, especially if you want to combine the capital with an island stay.
Train
Train travel in Greece is more limited than in some European countries and is mainly useful on selected mainland routes. It can work for travel between cities such as Athens and Thessaloniki, but it is not the main way to reach the islands or many beach resorts. For most holidaymakers, trains are less important than flights, ferries, buses, transfers and car hire.
Bus
Buses are widely used across Greece and can be a practical way to travel between towns, resorts, beaches and local attractions. On the islands, local buses often connect the main towns with popular beaches and villages, although services can vary by season and area. If you are planning a day trip without a car, it is worth checking return times carefully so the day runs smoothly.
Car Rental
Car rental is a good option if you want more freedom, especially on larger islands such as Crete, Rhodes and Corfu or in mainland regions such as Halkidiki and the Peloponnese. A hire car makes it easier to reach quieter beaches, mountain villages, local tavernas and viewpoints that are harder to visit by public transport. In old towns and busy resorts, parking can be limited, so planning ahead and setting off early often makes exploring much easier.
Our Top Destinations in Greece
Greece offers an exceptional mix of ancient cities, island coastlines, beach resorts and traditional villages. These four destinations give a strong sense of the country’s variety, from cultural discovery to classic Mediterranean relaxation.
Athens
Athens
Athens is the historic heart of Greece, best known for the Acropolis, Parthenon, ancient Agora and lively neighbourhoods such as Plaka, Monastiraki and Psiri. It is a brilliant city for travellers who want culture, food and atmosphere in equal measure, with rooftop bars, local tavernas and archaeological sites all sitting close together. Athens also works well as the start or end point for a wider Greek holiday, especially when combined with the islands.
Crete
Crete
Crete is Greece’s largest island and one of its most rewarding holiday destinations, known for beautiful beaches, mountain scenery, Venetian harbours, traditional villages and the ancient Palace of Knossos. Chania and Rethymno bring old-town charm, while the island’s coastline offers everything from family-friendly resort beaches to more dramatic, remote beauty spots. Crete is ideal for travellers who want more than a simple fly-and-flop break.
Rhodes
Rhodes
Rhodes combines beach holidays with history, sunshine and easy resort living. It is best known for Rhodes Old Town, Lindos, long sandy beaches and its strong summer atmosphere. The island works especially well for families, couples and travellers who want a good choice of hotels, restaurants, day trips and places to explore without making the holiday feel complicated.
Corfu
Corfu
Corfu has a greener, softer feel than many Greek islands, with cypress-covered hills, pretty bays, traditional villages and a beautiful UNESCO-listed old town. It is best known for Corfu Town, its Ionian coastline, elegant Venetian influence and relaxed resort areas. Corfu is a strong choice for travellers who want scenic beauty, good food, character and beach days with a slightly more laid-back island rhythm.
Travel Tips for Visitors in Greece
Island travel is much easier with lighter luggage, especially when using ferries, smaller hotels or accommodation with steps.
If you are island-hopping in summer, book ferries and key routes in advance, as popular crossings can get busy.
Ancient sites, old towns and popular beaches are far more enjoyable in the morning before the strongest heat and biggest crowds arrive.
Some of the best Greek meals are found in simple tavernas away from the main harbourfront, especially where the menu changes with what is fresh.
Rome
Rome is full of timeless charm, with ancient ruins, beautiful piazzas, world-famous landmarks and a lively food scene.
Sicily
Sicily offers a wonderful mix of beaches, history, culture and dramatic scenery. From golden coastlines and traditional villages.
Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast is one of Italy’s most beautiful coastal escapes, known for colourful cliffside towns, sparkling sea views and romantic Mediterranean charm.
Venice
Venice is a magical city of canals, bridges, historic buildings and unforgettable views. Perfect for couples, city-break travellers and culture lovers.
Italian Islands
Italy’s islands are known for their beautiful coastlines, rich culture, clear waters and relaxed Mediterranean way of life. Each island has its own character, from glamorous coastal escapes and historic towns to peaceful beaches, volcanic landscapes and family-friendly resorts.
Sicily
Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean, offering a wonderful mix of sunshine, culture, beaches and dramatic scenery. Visitors can explore historic towns, enjoy traditional food, relax along the coast and discover landmarks such as Mount Etna, one of Europe’s most famous active volcanoes.
Sardinia
Sardinia is loved for its crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches and laid-back island atmosphere. From luxury coastal resorts to quiet coves and charming villages, it is ideal for travellers looking for a beautiful beach holiday with a peaceful Mediterranean feel.
Capri
Capri is one of Italy’s most iconic island escapes, known for its stylish atmosphere, sea views and dramatic coastline. Visitors can enjoy boat trips, pretty piazzas, boutique shopping and famous natural sights such as the Blue Grotto.
Ischia
Ischia offers a more relaxed and traditional island experience, with sandy beaches, thermal springs and scenic coastal towns. It is a great choice for travellers who want sunshine, wellness, local charm and a slower pace away from the busiest tourist spots.
Why Visit Greece?
Ancient Beauty, Island Sunshine and Endless Charm
Greece is a must-visit destination because it offers the kind of holiday that feels both relaxing and deeply memorable. The beaches are beautiful, the sea is clear, the food is fresh and generous, and the history is woven into everyday life rather than hidden away behind museum doors. One day can be spent beside the water, another exploring ruins older than most cities, and another wandering through a village where evenings still revolve around the square, the church and the local taverna.
What makes Greece so special is its sense of warmth. It is there in the light on the sea, the welcome in a family-run restaurant, the smell of grilled fish and herbs, the sound of cicadas in the afternoon and the simple pleasure of watching a sunset with nowhere else to be. Whether you choose Athens, Crete, Rhodes, Corfu or a quieter island escape, Greece has a way of making holidays feel personal, generous and full of life. For sunshine, culture, beaches and atmosphere, it remains one of Europe’s most rewarding destinations.
