Greece Travel Guide A Vagabond Life
Greece Travel Guide
Greece, a timeless and enchanting destination nestled in southeastern Europe, beckons travelers with its rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant culture. As you embark on a journey through this captivating land, you’ll step into a realm where ancient legends come to life and where modern life seamlessly blends with the past.
Greece’s historical significance is nothing short of awe-inspiring. It was here that the cradle of Western civilization was born, dating back to the Bronze Age when the Mycenaeans built mighty fortresses and the Minoans ruled over the island of Crete. However, it was the classical era that truly left an indelible mark on world history. Athens, the heart of ancient Greece, became a haven for philosophers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, while the city-states engaged in epic battles and created enduring works of art and literature.
From the majestic Acropolis perched high above Athens to the sacred ruins of Delphi and Olympia, Greece’s historical sites are a testament to its enduring legacy. But Greece isn’t just about ancient history; it’s a country where tradition lives on in vibrant festivals, lively music, and sumptuous cuisine.
Join us on a journey through Greece, where you’ll explore a world where history and modernity intertwine, where azure seas lap against sun-drenched beaches, and where the warmth of Greek hospitality will make your travels truly unforgettable.
Table of Contents
Greece Travel Guides

Greece Travel Map
Top 5 Things To See & Do In Greece
Need To Know - Greece Travel Guide
Five Quick Facts About Travelling In Greece
- Greece is a safe country to travel in with the majority of people being helpful and friendly. Crime rates are low, however scams do happen in high tourist areas so be aware.
- Greece is part of the Schengen Visa Area Policy with visa free travel to citizens of many countries – see VISA tab for more details.
- There is very good public transport which is easy to navigate and inexpensive to use.
- English is widely spoken making travel easy. As always it is polite to learn a few basic works of the language.
- It is illegal to take photographs of military installations or other strategic locations and these laws are taken very seriously.
When To Travel In Greece
Greece has three distinct travel seasons High Season, Shoulder Season & Low Season. It is important to note that travelling between islands during low season is tricky especially the lesser populated Islands.
High Season May – August
- Accommodation is busy and prices can double. booking ahead is advisable.
- The weather is hot and the crowds large across the country.
- Transport is frequent and easy to manage, all sights are open and operating at maximum hours
Shoulder Season April, September – October
- The days are still hot but they are now bearable.
- Accommodation is cheaper and less busy.
- Most sights are still open with some operating at reduced hours.
- Internal flights and ferry timetables are reduced.
- Less crowds.
Low Season November – March
- Many of the islands are shut along with many restaurants and hotels across Greece.
- There are few ferries running and those who are takes circuitous routes stopping frequently.
- It is much cooler even cold with snow on the mountains and at times even in Athens.
- Accommodation is much cheaper.
Greece Currency
The currency in Greece is the Euro which is the currency of the 24 other EU member states plus Andorra, Kosovo, Monarco, Montenegro, San Marino and the Vatican.
ATMs can be found throughout Greece. It is advisable to always carry a small amount of cash as not all eftpos machines accept foreign cards.
Greek Visa Policy
Greece is part of the Schengen Area Visa Policy.
Nationals / Citizens from Schengen States have right of movement and entry without a visa but will need a passport as proof of identity.
The policy applies to the Schengen Area which is 22 E.U member states and 5 non E.U states which are part of the EFTA – Iceland, Liechenstein, Norway and Switzerland. Bulgaria, Cyprus and Romania are not part of the Schengen Area but have visa policies based on Schengen acquis.
For more information on travelling in the Schengen zone read our in depth article here
Getting Around Greece
Trains, planes, automobiles, ferries. Greece has just about every mode of transport you can think of.
Buses
Buses are a popular and easy way to travel between towns and cities. KTEL is the national government-subsidized network of independent businesses which cooperate together to form a dense route system serving almost the entire country. The system is efficient, reliable, and relatively inexpensive.
Train
Greece does have a rail system however it is limited. There is a train that runs from Athens to Thessaloniki in the north.
Ferries
Greece has multi ferries plying many routes. During the high season ferries run regularly around the islands, in the low season ferry services are limited and are often slow with the ferry that is running stopping at many islands.
Ferry Companies and Routes
- Aegean Speed Lines – Cyclades
- Agoudimos Lines – International and Greek Islands
- ANEK Lines – Crete and international
- Blue Star Ferries – Italy-Greece and Aegean Islands
- Euroseas – Saronic Gulf
- Hellenic Seaways – Aegean Islands
- Minoan Lines – Italy-Greece and Crete
- SAOS Ferries – Aegean Islands and northern mainland
- Superfast Ferries – Italy-Greece
- Ventouris Ferries – Italy-Greece
Packing for a trip to Greece requires careful consideration, as you’ll want to be comfortable for outdoor exploration and stylish for evenings in picturesque villages. Here’s a comprehensive packing list to ensure you’re well-prepared for your Greek adventure:
Clothing:
- Lightweight and breathable clothing for hot summers; consider linen, cotton, and moisture-wicking fabrics.
- Swimsuits for beach days.
- Sunhat and sunglasses to shield yourself from the strong Mediterranean sun.
- Comfortable walking shoes for exploring ancient ruins and cobbled streets.
- Sandals or flip-flops for the beach and casual strolls.
- Light jacket or cardigan for cooler evenings, especially in spring or autumn.
- A few dressier outfits for evenings out at restaurants or bars.
- Modest clothing for visiting religious sites (covering shoulders and knees).
Accessories:
- Sunscreen with a high SPF and after-sun lotion.
- Travel-sized toiletries, including shampoo, conditioner, and insect repellent.
- Prescription medications and a small first-aid kit.
- Lightweight daypack for carrying essentials while exploring.
- Ziplock bags for organizing and protecting items from water or sand.
Electronics:
- Smartphone and charger with international roaming or a local SIM card.
- Power bank to keep your devices charged on the go.
- Camera or smartphone with a good camera for capturing stunning landscapes.
Travel Documents:
- Passport, visa (if required), and photocopies stored separately.
- Travel insurance information.
- Printed copies of accommodation reservations and flight itineraries.
- International driver’s license if planning to rent a car.
Money and Security:
- A mix of cash and credit/debit cards.
- Money belt or hidden pouch for securing valuables.
- Luggage locks and cable ties for added security.
Optional Items:
- Guidebooks and maps.
- Snorkeling gear if you plan to explore underwater.
- A reusable water bottle to reduce plastic waste.
- Travel-sized laundry detergent for longer trips.
Remember to check the weather forecast for your specific travel dates and destinations in Greece to fine-tune your packing list. Additionally, pack light and be prepared to do laundry during longer trips to minimize the amount of clothing you need to bring. Greece offers an incredible mix of historical sites, natural beauty, and vibrant culture, so with the right packing strategy, you’ll be ready to make the most of your journey.
Greece Travel Guides
Greece Travel Stories

Santorini & Samos Greece
Santorini & Samos Samos We caught the ferry to Samos and stayed in a cute apartment at the top of a hill with amazing views

Lesbos Greece
Lesbos Greece Lesbos: We caught the ferry to Lesbos, an island just off the Turkish coast. The ferry was full of Greek army boys heading

Athens Greece
Athens Greece We arrived in Athens bus station with the OH determined he knew both where we were and which direction we had to head

Delphi Greece
Delphi Greece Delphi Greece – Our trip to Greece started in a taxi from our Bulgarian hostel, the taxi driver was quite mad and drove