Planning a trip to Greece can be almost as exciting as the holiday itself (I said almost!). However, planning a Greek vacation can become a little overwhelming with so many postcard-worthy places and historically rich landmarks. If you’re about to map out your #Greece2025 adventure, here are a few tips to remember.
First up, decide what type of experience you’re after.
Somehow, there is never enough time to explore Greece. So, thinking about what you want from your holiday is important. 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, Greece's islands, villages and big cities leave you with many 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 Greece's geographic region and seeing everything 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. They are generally well connected so you can 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. Still, 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, ensure 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 yourself time at sea, book the fast ferry options if they are 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.
Athens International Airport is the main hub for international and domestic flights in Greece. In addition to Athens, there are over 15 international airports in Greece that you can use during your travels, and many of them have connecting flights. Major airports in Thessaloniki, Kos, Crete, and Corfu make traveling 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
