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Greece Holidays

Greece
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Holidays in Greece and its islands

Greece is a country where thousands of years of history meet a coastline of countless sun-drenched islands. From the major islands of Crete, Rhodes, and Corfu to the iconic whitewashed villages of Santorini, there's a destination to suit you. Whether you fancy an all inclusive Greek getaway, a family break, a trip exploring ancient ruins on the mainland in places like Athens or Halkidiki, or a quiet escape to a lesser-known cove, Greece always delivers.

Where to go on your Greece holiday

With hundreds of inhabited islands and a vast mainland, picking your spot is the first step. Each region offers a completely different feel, from the history-rich mainland to the unique character of each island group.

Crete, Rhodes, and Corfu

These are three of the largest and most popular Greek islands, and for good reason. Crete, the biggest of all, is almost a country in itself. There's everything from the towering White Mountains to the famous pink sands of Elafonisi Beach and the ancient Minoan Palace of Knossos. Rhodes combines beach resorts with the magnificent, UNESCO-listed Medieval Old Town, where you can walk the same cobbled streets as the Knights of Saint John. Corfu, known as the Emerald Isle, is covered in lush greenery and olive groves, with a beautiful Venetian-style capital.

Santorini and Mykonos

If you're looking for those classic postcard views, the Cyclades islands will astound and delight. Santorini is world-famous for its dramatic caldera – a sea-filled volcanic crater lined with cliff-hugging white villages that glow at sunset. Beyond the views, you'll find unique red and black sand beaches. Mykonos offers a more cosmopolitan vibe, with its stylish town full of chic bars and boutiques, vibrant nightlife, and golden beaches such as the family-friendly Agios Ioannis.

Zante, Kefalonia, and Kos

The Ionian islands are known for their spectacular coastlines and rich green landscapes. Zante, or Zakynthos, is home to the world-famous Navagio Beach, also known as Shipwreck Cove, with its turquoise waters and sheer white cliffs. Kefalonia is a large island of dramatic contrasts, from the deep blue waters of Myrtos Beach to the underground Melissani Lake. Over in the Dodecanese, Kos is a popular choice for its long sandy beaches and flat landscape that's great for cycling. It also has a lively nightlife scene and plenty of historical sites.

Athens, Halkidiki, and the Peloponnese mainland

Don't overlook the mainland. Athens, the capital, is a bustling modern city built around its ancient treasures. A visit to the Acropolis to see the Parthenon is a must for any history lover while heading north will take you to the city of Thessaloniki with its rich cultural scene and fantastic food. For a beach holiday on the mainland, Halkidiki's three peninsulas jut out into the Aegean Sea, offering some of the country's most impressive sandy stretches. The Peloponnese peninsula is a heartland of ancient Greece, scattered with legendary sites.

What are the best things to do in Greece?

Beyond the beaches, Greece is packed with activities. You can step back in time by exploring the country's 20+ UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Stand in awe of the Parthenon atop the Acropolis in Athens, or wander through the vast archaeological site of the Palace of Knossos in Crete. Island hopping by ferry is a classic Greek adventure, allowing you to see the unique character of different islands in one trip. For a dose of culture, you can join in the dancing at a local taverna or, if you time it right, witness the huge celebrations of Orthodox Easter or the colourful Apokries carnival season before Lent.

What is the food like in Greece?

Greek food is a highlight of any trip. It's all about fresh, simple, and flavourful ingredients. Head to a local taverna for an authentic meal where you can order a meze – a collection of small dishes perfect for sharing. You'll find classics like moussaka, a rich layered dish of aubergine and minced meat, and souvlaki, which are skewers of grilled meat. Other staples include fresh Greek salads with tangy feta cheese, spinach and feta pies known as spanakopita, and freshly caught seafood. To finish, try a glass of the anise-flavoured spirit, ouzo.

When is the best time to visit Greece?

The summer months of July and August are the hottest and most popular, with a lively atmosphere and temperatures often topping 30°C. If you prefer things a little cooler and quieter, the shoulder seasons of spring (from April to June) and autumn (September to October) are ideal. The weather is still beautifully warm, making it perfect for sightseeing and relaxing on the beach. While many resorts quieten down in winter, the cities and larger islands remain active, and southern spots like Crete and Rhodes offer mild winter sun.

Greece travel essentials

Before you go, here are a few practical tips:

  • Currency: the currency is the Euro (€)
  • Language: the official language is Greek, but English is widely spoken in resorts, hotels, and restaurants
  • Time difference: Greece is two hours ahead of the UK (GMT+2)
  • Flight time: flights from the UK to Greece typically take between three and four hours
  • Plugs: Greece uses the Type F two-pin plug, so you'll need an adapter

With its blend of ancient history, sun-drenched islands, and lively culture, Greece offers a memorable escape for every type of traveller.

Need to know

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Language
Greek
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Currency
Euro
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Time zone
GMT +2
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Flight time
3hrs 40mins

*Average time from London Gatwick to Athens

EXPLORE REGIONS IN GREECE

Crete

Rhodes

Corfu

Halkidiki

Kos

Kos, Greece

Skiathos

Peloponnese

Santorini

Santorini, Greece

Mykonos

Alonissos Island

Athens Coast

Zante

Skopelos Island

Athens

Kefalonia

Thessaloniki

Central Greece

Lefkada

Parga Area

Explore our map of Greece

Why book with us?

    Your questions answered

    Temperatures soar in the summer, and this is when Greece is really buzzing. The atmosphere in July and August is usually pretty lively, fun, and on-the-go. Or if you prefer things a little more laidback, spring and autumn are often somewhat quieter, and they still offer nice warm temperatures. Greece’s mountain villages turn into winter sports hotspots between November and March, but many other parts of the country are quite mild. Rhodes and southeastern Crete especially are good for some winter sun.
    The Greek Islands are known for their top beaches. The south and west coasts of Mykonos are good choices for soft sandy stretches. And the beaches overlooking Kefalos Bay in Kos offer lovely views across the rocky landscape. If you want to try something a bit different to the classic white sand scenes, make sure to visit Crete or Santorini. Santorini’s Kokkini Beach is backed by deep red cliffs that look like they’re from another planet. And Crete’s Elafonisi Beach has a soft pink colour thanks to the pink shells in the area.
    You’ll find great nightlife in both Athens and Thessaloniki, as well as all over the Greek Islands. Where’s best really depends on what sort of nightlife you’re looking for. For all-night dancing, Mykonos is usually considered to be Greece’s top party island as Mykonos Town is filled with cool clubs. And Zante, Santorini, and Crete aren’t too far behind. But the truth is that pretty much any destination will have lively resorts and quieter havens. For a non-club scene, check out Greece’s old towns where you can enjoy drinks in the cosy backstreet tavernas.
    If you’re planning to stay in just one place, seven days is a good amount of time to explore the must-sees. And, depending on where you are, you might even be able to visit two destinations in one week. But if you want to island-hop around the country, or venture outside the main tourist spots, you might want to give yourself a little more time so you don’t feel rushed. There’s a lot more to see in Greece than just its beaches.
    Christmas, New Year, and Easter are celebrated across Greece. There are also a few other holidays like National Day on 25th March, and The Day of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary on 15th August. This mid-summer event is a great time to join in with the traditional festivals that take place across the country. One important thing to remember is that Sundays in Greece are treated a bit like public holidays, with most shops shut. Although you may find some stores open in the main tourist centres, remember that Sundays are usually pretty quiet.
    Seven days is plenty of time to explore Athens, or even to spend a few days in the city before having a relaxing break on one of the islands. But if you really want to see all sides of Greece in just one week, definitely consider booking a trip to Crete. This is the country’s largest island, and it pretty much has a little bit of everything. On the north coast, in places like Chania and Heraklion, you can get a glimpse of Greece’s history and culture. And the island’s mountainous centre is a great example of the country’s natural beauty.