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Greece

Greece Travel Guide

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Rear view of a man walking down to a beach on Fourni Island, Greece.

Thomas Pickard / Stocksy United

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Overview

Greece is ancient sun-bleached ruins piercing blue skies, the balmy Aegean lapping an endless coastline and a culture alive with passionate music, wonderful cuisine and thrill-seeking activities.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Sunset view of Athenian treasury at the ancient delphi site in Greece

    Sanctuary of Apollo

    Delphi

    Serving as the heart of Ancient Delphi, the hillside Sanctuary of Apollo is where pilgrims would journey to hear prophecies from the god Apollo, voiced…

  • Ruins of the ancient site of Olympia, specifically the Philippeion in the Altis of Olympia, which was an Ionic circular memorial of ivory and gold. The Olympic games originate from there.

    Ancient Olympia

    Peloponnese

    This is where the Olympic Games took place every four years for over 1100 years, until their abolition by Emperor Theodosius I in AD 393. The Olympic…

  • The ancient city of Messini in Peloponnese, Greece.

    Ancient Messini

    Messinia

    The remains of this vast ancient city are as extensive as those of Olympia and Epidavros, yet Ancient Messini receives only a fraction of their visitors…

  • The Temple of Zeus built around 330 BC is a Doric peripteral temple consisting of 32 limestone outer columns (6 by 12 columns) and the construction is unusual as it included all three Greek architectural forms, the Doric, the Corinthian, and the Ionic.

    Ancient Nemea

    Peloponnese

    Ancient Nemea was once the venue for the biennial Nemean Games, held in honour of Zeus. Three original columns of the imposing 4th-century-BC Doric Temple…

  • Archaic Temple of Apollo, Dorian columns, Corinth, Greece.

    Ancient Corinth

    Peloponnese

    Within a modern village loom the extensive yet compact ruins of this ancient (mostly Roman) city. Home to legendary Jason of the Argonauts, stealer of the…

  • The Holocaust Museum, Kalavrita, Greece.

    Museum of the Kalavryta Holocaust

    Peloponnese

    This is a powerful tribute to the residents of Kalavryta who perished in the 13 December 1943 slaughter perpetrated by the German army. It’s a dignified,…

  • Ruins of King Nestor's palace.

    Nestor’s Palace

    Messinia

    The best preserved of all Mycenaean palaces lies 17km north of Pylos and is a thrilling sight. It's described in Homer's 'Odyssey' as the court of the…

  • Aerial drone view of an old Venetian fortress island and former Leper colony (Spinalonga, Crete, Greece); Shutterstock ID 1809885124; your: Barbara Di Castro; gl: 65050; netsuite: digital; full: poi 1809885124

    Spinalonga Island

    Elounda

    Tiny Spinalonga Island became a leper colony in 1903 and catapulted into pop-cultural consciousness thanks to Victoria Hislop's 2005 bestselling novel The…

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Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip

Best Things to Do

Traveling to Greece delivers in myriad ways: ancient history, stunning vistas from coastal cliff towns and the freshest food.

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Best Places to Visit

Like the mythical Sirens tempting sailors, Greece lures travelers to its scintillating shores. Dream up an ideal Greece itinerary to these 10 locales.

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Best Time to Visit

Whether you’re dreaming of Mediterranean beaches, ancient allure, or buzzing city life, these are the best times to visit Greece.

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Things to Know

Before you set off for dreamy Greece, read our tips to help you with planning your trip, and navigating the country once you arrive.

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Transportation

Moving about the Greek mainland and islands requires a smart balance of flights, ferries, driving, buses, trains and more.

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Visa Requirements

Ensure that your entry into Greece goes without a hitch and find out whether a valid passport is sufficient and if digital nomads need a visa.

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Money and Costs

How to save money on a trip to Greece with cheap flights, ferries, trains and buses. Plus, how to get the best deal on hotels, food and drinks.

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Best Road Trips

Greece is meant for exploring, and not just by ferry. When you travel by motor vehicle, there's a wealth of history, culture and, yes, beaches to savor. 

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