A few suggestions to get the holiday planning process started
Create your own Greek culinary masterpiece during a Cretan cooking class
11 days, from £2,905 to £4,745
Go gaga for Ancient Greek monuments from the Acropolis to the Parthenon and Ancient Agora
4 days, from £1,125 to £1,605
Learn to sail in the crystal-clear waters around Corfu
7 days, from £2,905 to £4,635
Enjoy culture and nature in one of most beautiful areas of mainland Greece
7 days, from £1,350 to £2,150
The Aegean sea is never too far away as it loops around the Peloponnese, the mountains and the ancient sites.
14 days, from £2,250 to £3,395
We have travelled all over mainland Greece and its island-studded ocean to seek out the best spots, allowing us to plan truly bespoke trips. Whether touring the Acropolis with an art historian or meeting seasoned ceramicists at a local workshop, we work with the best local guides to help you get under the skin of Greece. We know how to avoid the crowds and the heat (like only booking Olympia tickets after 4pm), while our clued-up Concierges are our eyes and ears on the ground, offering insider tips on the hottest tickets and newest openings. This means we can recommend hidden island hideaways before the masses find out about them...
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Discover different ways to explore Greece
Practical advice and inspiration to help you prepare for your holiday
Practical guide
Travel Advice & Information
Our passionate consultants have travelled the length of Greece, from the picturesque Peloponnese to the most far-flung Aegean islands, picking up gems along the way to share with clients. With our breadth of expertise, we tailor each experience to you (and we’re not afraid to get creative). From organising tours with a local archaeologist guide at ancient sites to arranging an authentic cooking class with a local family, we're always led by your interests. We're in the know of incredible properties you're unlikely to find on your own and can recommend the best times of year for luxury boat trips and remote island adventures.
The blue island-dotted sea makes this an ideal seaside destination. It is also ideal for lovers of history and archaeology, particularly the Peloponnese peninsula and the island of Crete. Continental Greece and Crete are ideal adventure playgrounds for hikers. Looking for authenticity? Relax in a harbour-side tavern and watch the old Greek fisherman return from a fishing trip. Enjoy a glass of ouzo beneath an olive tree to the sound of crickets, or watch a priest play backgammon with some of the older villagers. In the mood to party? Both Athens and the fashionable bars in the Psiri district - haunt of hip young Athenians - are definitely worth a visit any time of year. For their party atmosphere, Mykonos and Paros are also must visits. Santorini and Mykonos are the perfect romantic setting for a honeymoon in Greece
Much of what you find on a Greece holiday you won't find anywhere else: There is history and mythology everywhere you look. Once you spot the small white villages, blue-roofed churches, whitewashed walls and flower-filled alleyways, there'll be no doubt that you are in Greece. The country has an unmistakable Mediterranean atmosphere but with a touch of eastern influence. This fusion can be found in the Greek traditions, music, cooking and attitudes to life. At the heart of it all lies a deep-rooted sense of hospitality. Inland Crete has olive fields as far as the eye can see, traditional villages with old ladies in black garments, donkeys in the middle of roads, canyons, mountains, archaeological sites and monasteries. Corfu, the centrepiece of the Ionian islands, is blessed with Byzantine architectural masterpieces hidden among its verdant hillsides, including the Castles of Angelokastro and Kassiopi. The island’s pastel-painted villages resemble those found throughout the Tuscan countryside.
If you only have a couple of days in Greece, make your way to Athens for a complete change of scene. The most popular Greek holidays remain island-hopping voyages of discovery in the Cyclades. We’d recommend visiting no more than two islands in one week or three over a fortnight, depending on flights, ferry bookings and transfers, so you have enough time to explore each one. For more cultural discoveries, opt for either the classic sites of the Peloponnese over one week, Central Greece for its gorgeous gorges and Meteora monasteries, or Crete for a road trip. Rhodes offers the ideal mix of beach relaxation and historical heritage, boasting one of Europe’s largest remaining medieval cities and ruins from its occupation by the Knights of St. John during the Crusades.
On the mainland, the three-pronged peninsula of Halkidiki may not be that trendy, but it is home to white sand beaches and some excellent hotels for families, making it a fantastic destination for a luxury Greek holiday. The bewitching Peloponnese peninsula to the west of Athens is back on the map in a major way thanks to a slew of new hotel openings. This is the place where one of our favourite explorers - Patrick Leigh Fermor - eventually laid his hat. It's possible to choose from immaculate new family-friendly resorts, romantic retreats for couples and even an Aman. Throw in a host of the finest sites in antiquity and it's a winning luxury holiday formula.
Of the thousand-odd islands scattered around the Aegean, the Cyclades are perhaps the most evocative. So named because they encircled the sacred island of Delos (once central to Greek mythology) these days the most famous islands of the group - Santorini and Mykonos - draw a different kind of worshipper, with the ancient gods and goddesses replaced by models and DJs.
Über-chic Mykonos is the Ibiza of the eastern Mediterranean, a summer playground where Europe's hip young things party till dawn beneath the island's iconic windmills. Crescent-shaped Santorini is one of the most scenic islands in the world (it was formerly known as Kalliste, meaning 'the most beautiful one'). Thought by some to be the site of the legendary Atlantis, it is hard to imagine the force of the cataclysmic volcanic eruption that created its giant, sea-filled caldera and towering, 300-metre cliffs.
With thousands of Greek islands to choose from, why not try somewhere new on your next trip to Greece? Amorgos is one of our latest top picks for its wild and well-preserved beauty, best appreciated while hiking. Patmos is a little gem that can be hard to access but provides a genuine spiritual break for many. Chios is perfect for lovers of eco-tourism and another one of our latest top picks.
There is a huge range of charming or designer hotels, but also alternatives to traditional hotels such as the cliff-side Homeric Poems apartments for four. Then there's Strass, a three-bedroom guest villa in Santorini, a villa around 300ft from the sea in Agia Irini sur Paros, or an apartment in a village of Crete in Kutsunari.
Enjoy something more bucolic and organic, such as thalassotherapy at the Royal Mare Resort in Agios Nikolaos, Saint Nicolas Bay. Or eat homemade jam and melons from the gardens of the traditional Kamares Houses, or organic and shiatsu cuisine at Elia Hotel & Spa, all found in Crete.
The country experiences a Mediterranean climate, meaning Greece holidays are best enjoyed during the summer months (from June to September), although there are variations in weather depending on which region you visit. In general, Mainland Greece experiences shorter summers and colder winters, with a more balanced climate (avoiding extreme heat) during April, May and September. The Cyclades Islands are blessed with long summers, lasting up to six months, with mild but windy winters. The Ionian Islands also have hot, dry summers, with little exposure to wind, although experience more rainfall during the winter months. Located closer to the Turkish coast, the Dodecanese Islands see hot summers and mild winters, with occasional rainfall. For more information, visit our guide page on the best time to visit Greece.
Long before Greece burst onto the global stage as an international tourist hotspot, this relatively small country was home to one of the world’s most influential civilisations. The Ancient Greeks contributed so much to modern society, and relics that detail this bygone era still adorn the towns and cities across the country.
Away from the history trail, Greece is also famed for its beaches, which, when paired with its balmy climate, offer the perfect place to soak in the beauty of this country from the comfort of a sun lounger. Whether on the mainland or one of the islands, you’re never too far from a spectacular sandy stretch in this part of the world.
Greece is famous for many ingredients, including olives, feta, honey and yoghurt, and it’s these local ingredients that are used to create some of the country’s most popular dishes.
When dining out, expect to find menus heavy on meat and fish, with coastal regions and the islands particularly keen to make the most of their proximity to the sea. When on the move, gyros are a popular street food option, which traditionally combine meat, onion, tzatziki, chips and bread – what’s not to love?
Wash it all down with a sip of ouzo, Greece’s national drink – similar in taste to black liquorice, less is more with this 40% spirit. Greece is also well-known for its wine, which, in lots of wine-producing regions across the mainland and islands, is still made using traditional methods.
Greece benefits from an advanced public transport system, which makes it easy to explore different parts of the country. Buses are the most popular option on the mainland, but there are also beautiful train routes across the landscape, where the journey is just as important as the destination.
If you’re looking to explore beyond the mainland and around the Greek islands, regular ferries and flights keep the region well connected. Generally, ferries are the most affordable and convenient option when heading to the islands. For discounted rates (and peace of mind), it’s always recommended to book your ferry journeys in advance – especially when travelling during the peak summer season.
Across the mainland and islands, Greece enjoys a Mediterranean climate that’s defined by warm, dry summers and mild winters. The most variation can be seen in the northern areas, where it’s not uncommon for heavy snowfall to occur during the winter – especially in the mountainous regions. This part of the country lends itself to winter travel, with plenty of opportunities for skiing and festive activities.
There are an estimated 6,000 Greek islands and islets dispersed throughout the region. However, less than 5% of these are inhabited. The islands are divided into six main groups: the Cyclades, the Sporades, the Ionian islands, the Dodecanese, the Saronic islands and the North Aegean islands.
With so much variety between the islands, it can be difficult to decide where to go. For lots of tourists, the answer is to indulge in an island-hopping adventure to experience different parts of the region. With regular ferries connecting the main islands, it’s easy to sail from Crete to the Cyclades, or from Mykonos to Milos.
Summer is the most popular time of year for a Greek holiday, but this does mean the main tourist destinations can become overcrowded – especially on the main islands. If you’re looking to avoid the peak season (and the scorching summer temperatures), the best time to visit would be the shoulder seasons in April, May or September.
For more information on the best time to visit Greece, read our guide.
Situated in the southeast, Athens is the capital of Greece. It’s the largest city in the country, and is also one of the oldest in the world.
Greek is the official language, but minority dialects – like Turkish and Albanian – are also spoken in different regions. Businesses in the main tourist areas will generally be able to converse in English, which is the country’s primary foreign language.
Greece uses Eastern European Time (EET), or Eastern European Summer Time (EEST) during Daylight Saving Time (DST). Greece is two hours ahead of the UK.
Greece uses the Euro (€). Especially in the main tourist areas, you shouldn’t encounter any problems when paying with a credit or debit card. However, it’s recommended to carry a small amount of cash as well, especially if you’re visiting some of the less touristy islands or regions.
It takes approximately three hours and 40 minutes to fly from London to Athens. There are a number of Greek islands that are connected to the UK via direct flights – including Crete, Mykonos and Rhodes – but some of the smaller islands will require a connection in Athens.
Since Greece is part of the Schengen area, UK tourists can visit for up to 90 days without needing a visa.
Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
