Overview of Greece

What isn’t there to say about Greece? In a country with so many personalities, stories and lifetimes it would be impossible to sum it all up in a word. Or even a few sentences. Greece is a fascinating destination with turquoise coastlines, sun-bleached islands, inspiring ancient ruins, unbeatable fresh food and passionate people. It isn’t hard to understand why so many ancient civilizations found inspiration in this vastly diverse and beautiful country. Wander through old Byzantine footpaths, explore ancient volcanoes, sunbathe on a Greek island and try something new.

Things to See and Do

Catch the Sunset at Oia in Santorini

Santorini on its own is the stuff of daydreams: unique, impeccable beaches all through the island, a colourful and lively city centre, delicious locally-produced wines and meals, and an unmatchable energy and pride in their island. Although there is a never-ending list of things to see in Santorini, if you only have one night on the island, there’s one thing you must do. Catch the bus to Oia, a spectacular town perched on the crescent-shaped cliff top of Santorini. You’ll recognize the scenery immediately by the stark white buildings and blindingly-blue painted rooftops. Head to the western point and claim a spot in any of the restaurants, or just perch along the high walls to watch the natural performance that happens every night. The sky will turn every colour imaginable as the sun finally dips below the horizon at sunset.

Be Charmed by Corfu

Corfu is a coastal city that was fortified by the Venetians and remains protected by two castles to this day—the Old Citadel and the New Fortress. This old town is so historic that is has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site and backs up that honour with plenty of architecture and history. Keep your eyes out for 19th century neo-classical mansions, quaint taverns, and charming souvenir gift shops. If you are looking to spend an elegant afternoon in Corfu, the Spianada is the place for you. It was designed by the French and is a large green space that is home to a music pavilion, a cricket field and a number of chic cafes ideal for people-watching.

Sightsee in Athens

Where to begin in Athens? Start with the Acropolis rock. Your eye will undoubtedly be drawn there anyway as it towers over downtown Athens. Here, you’ll find the magnificent Parthenon from the fifth century BC. From there, if the weather cooperates, you can overlook the entire city from your viewpoint and maybe gain a little understanding for why the Ancient Greeks chose this as the spot to worship and get closer to their gods. From there, stroll down the Ancient Agora, the ancient city centre. If you prefer a more guided view of the staggering amount of history in Athens, then don’t miss the National Archaeological Museum, that is packed full of ancient marble statues, ceramics and even jewellery.

Hike the Samaria Gorge

Located in Crete, hiking the Samaria Gorge is a must-do for adventurers. Even if you aren’t a dedicated hiker, hiking this path can be an excursion you remember. More than 170,000 people hike the gorge each year, and despite the crowds of people, the sights and the experience itself are unforgettable. The best time to hike Samaria is from May through September. It’s the longest gorge in Europe running a full 18km from Xiloskalo all the way to Agia Roumeli on the coast. This natural attraction is on the UNESCO waiting list, so head there before the real crowds swoop in once the Gorge earns the World Heritage status.

Ogle Ancient Olympia

As you may have known or gathered by the name, Olympia is the birthplace of the Olympic Games which were first held here way back in 776 BC. Within the city there are numerous important sights include the Hippodrome, the Stadium and the Heraeum. Today, you can also see the Temple of Zeus, where there once stood a gold and ivory statue of Zeus.

Seasonality

Spring and autumn are the best times to visit Greece—namely May, June, September and October. In the winter, most tourist attractions are in full hibernation and some of the smaller islands close completely. Mid-June through the end of August is considered the high season and this is when it’s party time on the island and everything is in full-swing. These months are also the hottest and the beaches are the most crowded. Prepare appropriately if you travel during high season.

Travel Tips

• No jabs are required to enter Greece beyond the normal vaccinations suggested by the World Health Organization.
• No visas are required for a stay in Greece lasting up to three months.
• Bar scams are very prevalent in Athens. Usually, a solo male traveler is lured into a bar, strikes up a conversation with friendly locals, drinks flow, and eventually the traveler is handed an enormous bill and expected to pay.
• Crime, especially theft, is low in Greece, but if you are around Omonia in Central Athens, keep a closer watch on your things—especially in markets and the metro.

Fall into the melting pot that is Greece and experience the sparkling night skies, serene stretches of sand, the intense history and the fascinating modern vibe that has taken over. Enjoy simple but delectable dishes for every meal and change your plans as you see fit. When you buy travel insurance you can let go of everything else. Embrace Greece and it will embrace you back.