Greece is equal parts history and sea: the cradle of democracy in Athens and, a few hours away by ferry, the most photographed islands in the Mediterranean.
What to see in Greece
Most trips combine Athens with two or three Cycladic islands. These are the essential places.
Athens and the Acropolis
The Parthenon, the Erechtheion and the Theater of Dionysus crown the Acropolis, and below it the Acropolis Museum holds the original sculptures. Then the Plaka district for dinner and a stroll.
Climb the Acropolis first thing or late in the afternoon: summer middays are very hot.
Santorini
White villages perched over a volcanic caldera, blue domes and the Aegean’s most famous sunset in Oia. Its beaches are red and black sand.
Mykonos
The windmills, Little Venice with houses right on the water and turquoise beaches. Livelier than Santorini, with more beach time.
Corinth and the Peloponnese
Ancient Corinth, where Saint Paul preached, the theater of Epidaurus with its perfect acoustics, and Mycenae, the city of Agamemnon.
Delphi and Meteora
Delphi, the sanctuary of Apollo’s oracle on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, and Meteora, Orthodox monasteries built on pillars of rock.
Crete and Rhodes
Crete, the largest island, with the Minoan palace of Knossos; and Rhodes, with the walled medieval city of the Knights.
Best time to visit Greece
May, June, September and October bring warm seas, good weather and fewer crowds than summer.
- Jan Cold
- Feb Cold
- Mar Good
- Apr Good
- May Ideal
- Jun Ideal
- Jul Peak
- Aug Peak
- Sep Ideal
- Oct Ideal
- Nov Good
- Dec Cold
July and August are peak season: the islands are packed, prices rise and Athens can top 95 °F.
From November to March many islands cut back ferries and close hotels and restaurants; it is a good time for Athens and the mainland, less so for the islands.
Entry requirements for Greece
Greece is part of the Schengen Area. US and Mexican citizens do not need a visa for tourism.
US passport (including Puerto Rico)
No visa for up to 90 days
- Up to 90 days in any 180-day period in the Schengen Area.
- Passport valid at least 3 months past your departure and issued within the last 10 years.
- Fingerprints and photo taken at the border (EES system) the first time.
Mexican passport
No visa for up to 90 days
- The same Schengen Area conditions.
- Passport valid at least 3 months past your departure.
- You may be asked for a return ticket, hotel booking and proof of funds.
Since April 2026 the Entry/Exit System (EES) operates across the Schengen Area: the first time you enter, your fingerprints and a photo are recorded, so allow a little extra time at passport control. The European Union will later launch ETIAS, an online pre-travel authorization; as of November 2026 it is not yet required.
Official sources: Travel to Europe: EES and ETIAS (European Union) · U.S. State Department travel advisories
Is it safe to travel to Greece?
Greece is a very safe destination used to visitors. The precautions are those of any big city: watch for pickpockets on the metro and in Athens’s busiest areas.
- Book ferries early in summer. On our tours, ferries between islands are included.
- Shoes with good grip. The marble on the Acropolis is slippery, and the islands have lots of steps.
- Sunscreen and water. The Aegean sun is strong even with a breeze.
- For the Meteora monasteries, cover your shoulders; women wear a skirt below the knee (usually lent at the entrance).
Our Greece trips
Tours with guaranteed departures through Athens and the islands, plus group trips combining Greece with Turkey or Paris. Prices per person in a double room, without international flights.
- Athens, Santorini & Mykonos Athens · Santorini · Mykonos · Athens See the tour
- Athens, Meteora & the Saronic Islands Athens · Kalambaka · Athens See the tour
- Greece Complete Athens · Olympia · Delphi · Athens · Santorini · Mykonos · Athens See the tour
- Athens and Paris Athens · Peloponnese · Delphi · Saronic Islands · Paris · Versailles See the tour
See every tour, including those combining Turkey and the Greek islands, on our Mediterranean page.
Suggested itinerary: Greece in 8 days
The route of our Athens, Santorini and Mykonos tour, with ferries between the islands.
-
Days 1–2
Athens
Arrival, the Acropolis, the Acropolis Museum and Plaka.
-
Days 3–4
Santorini
Ferry to the island, Fira, Oia at sunset and volcanic beaches.
-
Days 5–6
Mykonos
Ferry to Mykonos, the windmills, Little Venice and beaches.
-
Days 7–8
Back to Athens
Ferry back, a last night in Athens and the flight home.
Frequently asked questions
Santorini or Mykonos?
Santorini is for scenery, sunsets and couples; Mykonos is for beaches and nightlife. If you can, do both: they are a few hours apart by ferry, and our 8-day tour includes both.
Is Greece expensive to visit?
The islands are pricey in July and August; in May, June, September and October prices drop. Our Athens, Santorini and Mykonos tour costs from $2,245 per person, with hotels, ferries and transfers.
What do Mexican citizens need to travel to Greece?
Mexican citizens do not need a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days. You need a passport valid at least 3 months past your departure, and your fingerprints and a photo are taken at the border (EES system).
When is the best time to visit the Greek islands?
Late May, June and September: warm sea, everything open and fewer people than in July and August.
How many days do you need in Greece?
Eight days covers Athens and two islands. With 10 or 11 days you can add Delphi, Meteora or a third island.
