- Ideal trip length
- 8 to 12 nights
- Best time to go
- May to June; September to early October
- Time zone
- GMT+2, GMT+3 in summer (Eastern European Time)
- Currency
- Euro (EUR)
Entry update
The EU's Entry/Exit System is now in use at Schengen borders: travellers from outside the EU have fingerprints and a photo taken at their first entry, which can mean longer queues at busy times. ETIAS, the pre-travel authorisation, has no confirmed start date and is not yet needed.
About Greece
Most trips start in Athens, with a night or two to see the Acropolis and the museums. The Athens Riviera, 30 to 45 minutes south, gives you a resort by the sea without an extra flight. From there, the islands each have a different feel: Santorini for the caldera and sunsets, Mykonos for beach clubs, and quieter islands such as Paros and Milos for slower days.
The Peloponnese is a good alternative to the islands: olive groves, ancient sites and quiet bays, with day trips by boat to Hydra and Spetses. Getting the order right matters, because ferries and island flights shape the route, and the best island hotels book up early for June and September.
When to go
May, June and September bring warm seas without the peak crowds. July and August are hot, busy and windy in the Cyclades. Most island hotels open from about April to October, so winter suits Athens and the mainland rather than the islands.
Places to go
Athens
The Acropolis, great museums and rooftop dinners facing the Parthenon.
See hotelsAthens Riviera
Seaside resorts 30 to 45 minutes from the city, ideal for a city and beach stay.
See hotelsSantorini
Cliffside hotels on the caldera rim, famous sunsets and volcanic beaches.
See hotelsPeloponnese
Olive groves, quiet coves and boat days to Hydra and Spetses.
See hotelsMykonos
Beach clubs, whitewashed lanes and a lively summer scene.
Ask me about hotels hereMy picks in Greece
The hotels I'd start with, and who each one suits.
3 MICHELIN KeysForbes Five-Star
Four Seasons Preferred Partner
Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens
Athens Riviera, Greece
2 MICHELIN KeysForbes Recommended
Marriott STARS
Hotel Grande Bretagne, Athens
Athens, Greece
2 MICHELIN Keys
Virtuoso
Amanzoe
Porto Heli, Greece
2 MICHELIN KeysForbes Four-Star
Virtuoso
Grace Hotel Santorini
Santorini, GreeceBefore you go
Arriving
Getting there
Athens connects easily through the Gulf or European hubs. From Athens, short flights and ferries reach the islands.
Getting around
Ferries link the islands, and fast boats save time in summer. Island flights are quick but limited, so I book them early. A driver is best for the Peloponnese.
Visa and entry
Singapore, UK, US, Australian and many other passports get visa-free stays of up to 90 days in any 180 days across the Schengen area. The EU's Entry/Exit System now takes fingerprints and a photo at your first entry, so allow extra time at the border. ETIAS pre-travel authorisation has no confirmed start date yet. Check the official source before you travel.
Checked November 2026
Money and culture
Money
Cards are widely accepted, though small tavernas and beach bars may prefer cash. Hotels add a nightly climate resilience fee.
Tipping
Leaving 5 to 10 percent in restaurants is appreciated, and a few euros for drivers and guides.
Local customs
Dress modestly at monasteries and churches. Dinner starts late, often after 9pm in summer.
On the ground
Language
Greek. English is widely spoken in hotels and tourist areas.
Plugs and power
Types F and C. Bring an adapter from Singapore.
Safety
Greece is safe for visitors. Summer sun and heat are strong, so plan sightseeing early, and take care on steep, uneven steps on the islands.
Greece: quick answers
When is the best time to visit Greece?
May to June; September to early October. May, June and September bring warm seas without the peak crowds. July and August are hot, busy and windy in the Cyclades. Most island hotels open from about April to October, so winter suits Athens and the mainland rather than the islands.
How long should I spend in Greece?
8 to 12 nights is a good length for a first visit. Tell me what you enjoy and I'll shape the route around it.
Which luxury hotels do you recommend in Greece?
My picks are Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens (Athens Riviera), Hotel Grande Bretagne, Athens, Amanzoe (Porto Heli) and Grace Hotel Santorini. Each hotel page has my write-up, what guests say and the benefits I can add.
Do I need a visa for Greece?
Singapore, UK, US, Australian and many other passports get visa-free stays of up to 90 days in any 180 days across the Schengen area. The EU's Entry/Exit System now takes fingerprints and a photo at your first entry, so allow extra time at the border. ETIAS pre-travel authorisation has no confirmed start date yet. Check the official source before you travel.
Updated November 2026
More ways to experience Greece
I start with a night or two in Athens, then build the island or Peloponnese route around ferry and flight times, so no day is lost in transit.
- Benefits arranged before you arrive.
- One point of contact from start to finish.
- Hotels matched to how you travel.