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Dreamworthy Destinations

 Greece 

Greece's main attractions include beaches, historical sites, modern and ancient culture, striking scenery, spas, islands, cave exploration, charming people, casinos, yachting, shopping, food, and nightlife.

 

Nearly everyone will love Greece with its relatively simple way of life and diverse attractions. The country will especially appeal to travelers who enjoy history, philosophy, sailing, beaches, and quaint villages. Don't expect lush tropical scenery around the beaches (Greece is quite arid) or a wide variety of international foods, although the offerings have improved considerably in Athens and other primary tourist centers.

Best Time to Go

The very best time to visit Greece is from mid-May to mid-June and from mid-September to late October, when the temperatures are mild. However, if temperature isn’t a concern, let your schedule determine the best time to go.

Weather

Temperatures are normally 68-77 F (20-25∞ C) mid-May to mid-June and from mid-September to late October. Late June to early September is hot, with temperatures reaching the 90s F (30∞s C), but some like it hot.  In the winter months, temperatures are often below 50 F (10∞ C), which is fine for touring, but usually too cold to swim or lie on the beach. Greece has little rain year-round.

Transportation

  • Air - The Athens International Airport (ATH) is located in Spata, 16 mi/25 km northeast of downtown Athens. 

  • Rail – Suburban railway offers service from Athens International Airport to the Athens Central Railway Station (Larissis Station) and to the port of Piraeus. Direct rail service also links Greece to most neighboring Balkan countries.

  • Bus - There is a wide bus network throughout Greece. You can even travel to some islands where the bus takes the ferry. The buses are generally comfortable and clean, and most drivers are helpful. 

  • Taxi- The metered taxis are inexpensive, although sometimes hard to find (locals share them). 

  • Rental Cars - Rental cars are reasonably priced and driving through Greece isn't a problem for most people (except in Athens); it’s one of the best ways to see the country. 

  • Yacht – Private Yacht is the best way to visit the islands. There are organized yacht programs that run set schedules, carrying 20-30 people, which may allow you to divide the cost among everyone and have the added benefit of visiting the less-frequented islands. 

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Language

Greek

Things to Do & See

Sightseeing

  • Acropolis and the National Archaeological Museum in Athens

  • The Temple of Olympian Zeus

  • The changing of the evzone guards outside Parliament in Syntagma Square

  • Lykavittos Hill, the highest point in Athens

  • A day trip to Cape Sounion for the sunset

  • A one-day cruise around the Saronic Islands. 

  • The infamous site of the Delphi Oracle at the Temple of Apollo in Delphi

  • Olympia, home of the first Olympic Games

  • Byzantine churches in Thessaloniki

  • Mount Olympus, Greece's tallest mountain and legendary home of the Greek gods 

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Activities

  • Greece’s Ranked Beaches include Myrtos Beach on Cephalonia, Shipwreck Beach on Zakynthos, Koukounaries on Skiathos, and the renowned party beach of Paradiso on Mykonos. 

  • Golf at well-groomed, 18-hole courses in Athens (Glyfada) and Halkidiki, and on the islands of Corfu, Crete and Rhodes. 

  • Skiing - Mount Parnassos ski resort near Delphi and the Kalavrita ski resort on Mount Helmos on the Peloponnese offers snow and skiing from December through late March. 

  • Surfing - Greece's top sites for windsurfing are Vasiliki on Levkas, Kefalos on Kos, and Prassonissi on Rhodes, all of which have wind-surfing schools and equipment to rent. 

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Shopping

Shop for handicrafts, wines, olive oil, rugs, pottery, lace, embroidery, icons, leather goods, and jewelry. Of particular interest is the gold jewelry with Greek designs and beautiful silver jewelry set with precious stones. 

  • Athens (areas around Syntagma Square and Kolonaki Square) - general high-quality shopping

  • Crete - colorful handwoven handbags

  • Rhodes - ceramic tiles and plates, and kilim rugs 

Piraeus is usually less expensive than Athens. Don't be afraid to haggle over prices in souvenir shops. 

Memorable Meals

There is more to Greek food than "gyros,".  Common throughout Greece are tzatziki (garlic-yogurt spread), souvlakia (meat or fish kebabs marinated in garlic), spanakopita (spinach pie), and tiropita (cheese pie). You are in for a treat.

 

Athens

  • The spectacular view of the Acropolis and the creative cuisine at Orizontes Lykavittou

  • The mind-boggling variety of traditional Greek dishes served at Eleas Gi 

  • Modern Greek taverna fare in trendy Gazi

  • Rooftop dining in Thissio

  • Award-winning seafood specialties at Varoulko. 

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Must-Have Experiences

  • Attend a performance of Greek National Opera

  • Attend a concert at the Athens Concert Hall

  • Attend a concert at the Thessaloniki Concert Hall

  • Cruise the Greek Isles

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You Don't Want to Miss

  • Athens and Epidaurus Festival in the summer 

  • The Thessaloniki International Film Festival in November

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Especially For Kids

Athens

  • The virtual-reality presentations at the Hellenic Cosmos (adults will love it, too)

  • The bird collection at the Attica Zoological Park

  • The Hellenic Children's Museum in the Plaka 

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Mykonos

  • Miniature lighthouses and model ships at the Aegean Maritime Museum

  • Find Petros the Pelican, the island's fabled resident mascot that struts around the port

  • Ride a horse along some of the most picturesque beaches in the world

  • Rent paddleboats and kayaks

  • Visit Delos where, in Greek mythology, Zeus' twins Artemis and Apollo were born 

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