Planning a trip to Greece can be almost as exciting as the holiday itself (I said almost!). However, with so many postcard-worthy places and historically rich landmarks to see, planning a Greek vacation can become a little overwhelming. If you’re about to embark on mapping out your #Greece2020 adventure, here are a few tips to keep in mind.
First up, decide what type of experience you’re after.
Somehow, there is never enough time when it comes to exploring Greece. So, it’s important to think about what you want to get out of your holiday. Does something luxurious and relaxed suit you? Do you want to see as much as possible, knowing you’ll need a holiday after your holiday? Or, do you prefer to deep-dive into one or two places and get a true local experience? Making this decision from the beginning will help you plan your ideal trip.
Explore one geographic region and get the most out of your time.
Covering over 131,000 km², the islands, villages and big cities of Greece leave you with a lot of options. Visiting popular islands like Mykonos, Kefalonia, and Rhodes in one vacation will see you spending a lot of time in transit. One idea to consider is focusing on a geographic region of Greece and seeing everything that's on offer. Island clusters like the Cyclades (Santorini, Mykonos, Ios, Syros, et al), Dodecanese (Kos, Patmos, Rhodes, Symi, Kalymnos), Sporades (Syros, Skopelos, Alonissos, Skiathos) and Ionian (Kefalonia, Corfu, Zakynthos, Paxoi, Kythera) have no shortage of gorgeous islands to see and are generally well connected so that you’re able to spend less time in transit and travel between neighbouring islands fairly easily and quickly.
Hit the road.
Exploring Greece by car is a unique experience any time of year, but there is something special about hitting the road with a map (GPS, of course), jumping out of the car for a swim whenever you like, and soaking in a summer sunset while you blast those Greek radio tunes. Road tripping around Halkidiki, Pelion, the Peloponnese or even the mammoth island of Crete will leave you with a trunk-load of unforgettable memories. For those planning to hire a car in Greece, make sure you’ve got a valid International Driver’s Permit, as it’s illegal to hire a car without one.
Ferry tips.
Travel by ferry is a common occurrence for island hoppers. To save you time at sea, book the fast ferry options if available. It may cost slightly more but is worth every euro if you’re short on time. Also, for those travelling to faraway islands, book yourself a night ferry with a cabin and catch some zzz’s while you reach your magnificent island destination.
Athens is not always the best airport option.
While Athens International Airport is Greece’s main hub for international and domestic flights, there are over 15 international airports that are available to you during your travels and many of them connect with each other. Major airports in Thessaloniki, Kos, Crete, and Corfu can make a transit across Greece more convenient.
Don't leave it until the last minute!
While living in the moment is one of the best parts of vacations, the days of booking accommodation and transit in Greece at the last minute are all but over, especially in Summer. With Greece now being a major tourist destination, avoid the “wait and see” approach and plan at least the basics so that you’re not left stranded. With many hotels having flexible cancellation policies for direct bookings, there’s no harm in leaving yourself with options so that you can leave your worries behind and enjoy every blissful day of your Greek odyssey.
*To experience Greece Like Never before, please visit Greek City Travel
