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Greece, white houses and blue sea on the Cyclades
Home › Destinations › Europe › Greece
Destination

Greece

approx. 3 hrs from Frankfurt
May–Jun / Sep–Oct
Beach · Culture · Island Hopping
ZakynthosSantorini
No visa
Entry (DE passport)
May–Oct
Best time
GMT+2/+3
Time zone
EUR
Currency
Country Guide

Why a trip to Greece is worth it

Greece is considered one of the cradles of European culture, combining ancient history with over 200 inhabited islands and one of the most varied coastlines in Europe. From the temples and museums of Athens, to the whitewashed villages of the Cyclades, to the green landscapes of Crete and the Peloponnese, the country has something for almost every kind of traveler.

The Mediterranean climate with its long, dry summers makes Greece a popular destination for beach and island holidays, while the countless archaeological sites and long, well-documented history also draw in culture lovers. The ferry connections between the islands make classic island hopping easy to plan within a single trip.

Good to know
Over 200 inhabited islands, from lively destinations like Santorini to quiet, little-visited islands
Rich ancient history with numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites like the Acropolis or Delphi
Mediterranean climate with long, dry, sun-drenched summers
Good ferry connections between the islands make classic island hopping easy to plan
Varied cuisine built around fresh fish, olive oil and Mediterranean staples
Interactive Map

Our Stops on the Map

Highlights

My stops in Greece

You'll find accommodations, beaches, food and activities directly on each place's detail page.

Zakynthos, Navagio Beach with shipwreck in a turquoise bay
Ionian Islands
Zakynthos

A green Ionian island with crystal-clear water, spectacular cliffs and the world-famous shipwreck in Navagio Bay – wilder and calmer than the Cyclades.

Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach) – only reachable by boat, with the stranded wreck of the "Panagiotis"Blue Caves and the cliffs of Keri, most beautiful on a sunset boat tourProtected beaches like Gerakas and Kalamaki, important nesting sites for loggerhead sea turtlesTurquoise bays like Porto Limnionas and Xigia, ideal for snorkeling
Best to book the boat tour to Shipwreck Beach directly at the departure point in Porto Vromi rather than through middlemen in Keri – I paid just €15–20 per person there for the same tour that cost €25 elsewhere.
Learn more →
Santorini, white houses over the caldera at sunset
Cyclades
Santorini

Probably the most famous Greek island, defined by white houses and blue church domes high above the caldera – famous for spectacular sunsets in Oia and its volcanic landscape.

Fira and Oia with breathtaking views over the calderaVolcanic beaches with black and red sand, such as Kamari and Red BeachWine tasting in the historic cellar of the Santorini Wine MuseumOpen-air cinema in Kamari under a starry sky
For sunset in Oia, it's worth grabbing a seat in a bar or restaurant instead of fighting for space at the crowded viewpoints – if you want to experience the lanes without the crowds, take a walk through Oia around 7am.
Learn more →
Everything You Need to Know

Practical Info

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Getting there & transport

Numerous direct flights from German airports to Athens, plus seasonal direct flights to many islands (e.g. Santorini, Zakynthos, Crete, Rhodes, Kos), usually 2.5–3 hours flight time for around €350–450 round trip. Regular ferries run between the islands, and domestic flights are worth considering for longer distances. On larger islands like Zakynthos, a rental car from the airport is worth it for getting around flexibly.

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Accommodation

A wide range from simple studios to family-run guesthouses to luxury resorts, especially on the better-known islands. On Santorini I paid around €175 a night for a simple but special room, up to €450 for a cliffside hotel with a caldera view in Oia – while on Zakynthos a modern hotel near the beach was available for around €100 a night. Book early in high season (July/August), as popular places fill up fast.

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Food & drink

Fresh fish, meze, souvlaki and olive oil define Greek cuisine. Tavernas away from the main tourist spots often offer better quality at lower prices. Tap water is drinkable in most regions, though bottled water is recommended on smaller islands – a liter in restaurants usually costs €1–3.

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Packing list

Light summer clothing, a sun hat and good sandals for cobblestones and boat docks belong in your bag. Water shoes are especially useful on volcanic sand and pebble beaches like on Santorini or Zakynthos. A light sweater or thin jacket is worth packing for boat tours and windy island evenings.

Comfortable, non-slip shoes are helpful for trips to ancient sites and cobblestoned churches. Sunscreen and a refillable water bottle are especially important given the intense sun. No adapter is needed for travelers from Germany, since Greece uses the same sockets (Type C/F).

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Drone rules

EU-wide drone rules apply in Greece, registration with the Greek civil aviation authority HCAA is required for most drones. Flying is banned or requires a permit near airports, archaeological sites and military areas.

Flying drones over archaeological sites like the Acropolis or ancient temples is generally prohibited, and violations can be penalized severely. On popular islands like Santorini, additional local restrictions sometimes apply, it's best to ask on the ground beforehand.

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Health & safety

No mandatory vaccinations required. As an EU member, basic medical care is covered with the European Health Insurance Card, but additional travel insurance including repatriation is still recommended, especially for stays on smaller islands with limited medical infrastructure.

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Culture & etiquette

Hospitality (philoxenia) holds a high place in Greek culture. Shoulders and knees should be covered in churches and monasteries. Tipping in restaurants is customary, usually rounding up or leaving around 5–10% of the bill.