Greece

Greece is one of those destinations that delivers exactly what you imagine and then surprises you with everything you did not expect. The whitewashed villages and blue domed churches of Santorini are real, and they are every bit as stunning as the photos suggest. But Greece is also late night tavernas where strangers become friends over shared plates of grilled octopus. It is a winding road on a rented ATV through olive groves to a beach with no name. It is the weight of standing in the Acropolis and realizing that democracy, theater, and philosophy started right where you are standing.

The country has over 6,000 islands, of which roughly 200 are inhabited. That variety means there is a version of Greece for every type of traveler. The trick is knowing which islands to choose and how to connect them, and that is where we come in.

Best Time to Visit

The sweet spot is May through June and September through October. Temperatures are warm but not oppressive, the crowds are manageable, and prices are more reasonable than the peak summer months. July and August are the busiest and hottest, with temperatures regularly hitting the mid 90s and popular islands like Santorini and Mykonos packed to capacity.

Where to Go

Athens is the logical starting point and deserves at least two days. The Acropolis and its museum are non negotiable, but the neighborhoods of Plaka, Monastiraki, and Psyrri offer some of the best street food, rooftop dining, and nightlife in Europe.

Santorini is the island everyone knows, and for good reason. The caldera views from Oia, the volcanic beaches, and the sunsets are world famous. Mykonos is the party island with beautiful beaches, luxury hotels, and a nightlife scene that runs until dawn. But the quieter islands are where many travelers find the Greece they fall in love with. Naxos has incredible beaches and a relaxed local feel. Milos is famous for its otherworldly rock formations and Sarakiniko Beach. Crete, the largest island, has mountains, gorges, ancient ruins, and some of the best food in the country.

Where to Stay

In Santorini, Canaves Oia Suites is one of the most iconic caldera view properties. Grace Hotel Santorini (now part of Auberge Resorts) is another top pick for couples. In Mykonos, Cavo Tagoo is the see and be seen hotel with its famous infinity pool. For a more laid back Mykonos experience, Boheme Hotel in the old town offers charm without the scene.

In Athens, the Hotel Grande Bretagne on Syntagma Square is the classic luxury option with Acropolis views from its rooftop restaurant. The Coco Mat Athens BC is a more boutique, design driven alternative.

Food and Drink

Greek food is simple, fresh, and built on quality ingredients. Expect grilled meats and seafood, fresh salads with tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta, and dips like tzatziki and melitzanosalata (roasted eggplant). Moussaka, pastitsio, and souvlaki are the classics, but the regional specialties are where things get interesting. In Crete, try dakos (barley rusk topped with tomato and cheese) and lamb slow cooked with artichokes. Fresh seafood by the water, ordered by weight and grilled simply with olive oil and lemon, is one of the great pleasures of eating in Greece.

Let Us Plan Your Greece Trip

Greece can be as simple or as complex as you want it to be. A week splitting time between Athens and Santorini is a classic first timer itinerary. A two week island hopping route through the Cyclades or Dodecanese is an unforgettable adventure. Tell us your timeline and your priorities and we will build a trip that fits.