What is the best time of year to go to Greece?
Most visitors agree that the best time to visit Greece is spring and early summer (mid-April to mid-June) and in autumn (September to mid-October). The prices are better when avoiding summer high season. Tourists are few and the temperatures are pleasant. High temperatures during summer with heat waves of 100°F/+40°C are common.
Do I need a visa?
Since Greece is part of Europe’s Schengen Area, it is visa-free for EU citizens traveling for up to 90 days, and for citizens from most countries in the Americas. Therefore, travelers from the U.S., Canada, and Australia only need a passport valid for three months beyond the return travel date from Greece.
What are the average monthly temperatures in Greece?
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Av. temp. | 53°F | 55°F | 61°F | 69°F | 79°F | 87°F | 92°F | 92°F | 83°F | 73°F | 64°F | 55°F |
| Av. rainfall | 2.2 in | 2.1 in | 2.4 in | 2 in | 2.2 in | 1.6 in | 1.2 in | 0.8 in | 1.8 in | 2.3 in | 2.6 in | 2.8 in |
What is the weather like in Greece year round?
In Greece, the climate is typical Mediterranean with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. Generally, the weather is sunny all year round. During winter, the northern part of Greece can be very cold, and in the mountains it will snow. In the southern part of Greece, the winter is much milder.
What is the coldest month in Greece?
January is the coldest month in Greece.
Athens has an average high temperature of 10°C (50°F) in January.
Northern Greece has an average high temperature of 5°C (41°F) in January.
Crete has an average high temperature of 11°C (51°F) in January.
Santorini has an average high temperature of 12°C (53°F) in January.
Does Greece have four seasons?
Greece has indeed four seasons, both spring, summer, autumn and winter. Greece is the most beautiful Mediterranean country all year round. During winter you can go skiing, hiking in the mountains, or exploring the ancient sites and the Greek cuisine. Enjoy adventures in nature and at sea during spring, summer, and autumn.
Can you drink tap water in Greece?
Depending on the region, tap water is safe to drink. In Athens, Thessaloniki and other cities tap water is safe to drink, but in most islands it is not. Whenever in doubt, buy bottled water or ask the locals whether they drink tapped or bottled water in the area you are staying.
What food do they eat in Greece?
In Greece you should taste their olives and olive oil, salads, fresh fish, grilled meat, stewed lamb, lamb chops, creamy salads like tzatziki (yoghurt, cucumber, and garlic), melitzanosalata (eggplant) and cheese pie, spinach pie and meat pie. Grilled shrimps and octopus are real delicacies. And of course, try the syropiasta (little sweets).
Is it expensive to eat in Greece?
Meal prices may vary in Greece, but the average cost of food per day in Greece is €28. This is based on spending habits of previous travelers, where an average meal dining out in Greece should cost approximately €11 per person. Usually breakfast prices are a bit cheaper than lunch or dinner.
How much would a trip to Greece cost?
Budget travelers should plan on $50 a day, while mid-range to luxury travelers can expect between $150 to $350 a day, or higher if you plan to visit several islands on your trip. Depending on which island you stay in prices can rise explosively. Santorini and Mykonos belong to the most expensive.
Can you use US money in Greece?
No, in Greece you cannot spend dollars or any other foreign currency. You will have to use either your cards or exchange to Euros when on holiday in Greece. Greek restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars prefer cash. This also is the way if you want a deduction in price when shopping souvenirs.
Do you tip in Greece?
Yes and no. In Greece it is expected that tourist will tip but it is not necessary. A good guide is a gratuity of 5% – 10%. You should leave it on the table with the bill. Usually waiters do not receive tips included on credit cards, so try to leave cash.
Can you flush toilet paper in Greece?
Don’t flush toilet paper in Greece. The tiny Greek pipes will just get clogged. The toilet will handle a small amount of paper, so do not panic if you forget once or twice; it is a habit to throw paper in the toilet, but you will get used to not doing it.
Can you wear shorts in Greece?
It is acceptable to wear shorts in Greece whether you are a woman or a man. Greeks dress casual smart in cities, so if you plan to walk in Athens, forget the shorts and wear a dress or a pair of long pants. NEVER wear shorts or short skirts when visiting churches.
Are there dangerous animals in Greece?
On land the poisonous snake Ochia is living all over Greece. If you have been bitten, get immediate medical attention. On many islands and the mainland, scorpions live in dark places, even indoor, so check your luggage and bedding carefully. Beware of poisonous fish, like weeverfish and sea urchins at the beach.
Are mosquitoes in Greece dangerous?
In Greece serious mosquito-borne illness is rare, but the mosquitos can be nasty, so buy some insect repellant for your own comfort. You should, though, beware of scorpions in all of Greece, also in Athens. The greatest danger occurs when turning over rocks or stepping on one. They even hide inside buildings.
How many days in Greece is enough?
Spend at least seven days in Greece, this is enough to explore the important sites of Athens and to visit one or two islands. Maybe some of the nearby Saronic islands or Peloponnese. Maybe try pairing two Greek islands, for example Santorini and Mykonos or stick to culture and cuisine in Crete.
Is English spoken in Greece?
Most Greeks under 40 know English well, since it is taught to all schoolchildren from third grade. At hotels and in tourist areas you will find a good practice of English as well a few other languages, like French and German. In villages a smile combined with gestures will take you far.
Are there sharks in Greece?
In Greece, sharks are rare, and usually the species caught by fishermen are from the less-dangerous types, like thresher sharks, basking sharks, and dogfish. During the last years sharks have been seen and caught around Symi, Crete, and Milos, but they are endangered as numbers have been declining over the past decades.
Is Greece dangerous for tourists?
Greece is a safe country. As a tourist you are unlikely to experience any crime or violence during your stay. The only thing you should be aware of is a small risk of petty crime in the streets but keeping basic precautions, not leaving your belongings unattended your trip should go smoothly.