Monastiraki Square and Acropolis, Athens, Greece (Travel)

Greece: Wandering the Land of Gods, Ageless Myths, and Gyros

July 26, 2025

Jump to: Tips from a Traveler | Mobile Connectivity in Greece

Looking for a destination offering warm blue waters, delicious cuisine, ancient culture, and modern designs? That land is Greece.

The most popular historical sites in Greece are in Athens, Delphi, and Peloponnese. The Greek Islands - Crete, Santorini, Mykonos, Corfu, Paros, Milos, and Kefalonia - offer excellent hotels and experiences for history and beach lovers alike.

We recommend Rick Steves’s and Frommer’s travel guidebooks for crafting a trip that suits your pace and passions. Insights into Greece by Steves, renowned for his deep knowledge of Europe, and Frommer’s, a respected name in travel publishing, offer a reliable foundation for planning your trip. Steves’ travel guide for Greece is an ideal launching pad for any traveler eager to explore the country’s rich history and breathtaking landscapes. And if you're trying to time your visit just right, Frommer’s has you covered with insightful tips tailored to your tastes, whether you crave sunny beaches, cultural festivals, or off-season serenity.

If you prefer tranquility over the hustle of peak-season crowds, consider planning your getaway for late April or early May. This sweet spot offers a perfect blend of pleasant weather, fewer tourists, and significantly lower prices on airfare and accommodations.

Transportation

Greece boasts several international airports, with Athens and Thessaloniki serving as the primary gateways. From these hubs, travelers can conveniently fly to other Greek cities. For intercity journeys, reliable options include Hellenic Train services and KTEL regional buses, offering an easy way to explore the mainland. For additional travel insights, check out Lonely Planet’s guide to getting around Greece. It’s packed with tips to help you uncover even more of the country's charm.

Hotels and Resorts

As of summer 2025, Greece is experiencing a surge in luxury hotel investments across the country. While Athens continues to draw significant attention from developers, other regions are also becoming prime targets for upscale hospitality ventures. Travel industry insiders point to this widespread growth as a response to rising demand for high-end travel experiences throughout Greece.

We recommend reviewing Conde Nast Traveler’s selection of hotels as you start your search for places to stay.

Conde Nast Traveler - Athens Hotels

Conde Nast Traveler – Best Greek Island Hotels

Conde Nast Traveler – A Journey Through Peloponnese

We also recommend reviewing MyBoutiqueHotel’s selection of hotels in Peloponnese.

Cuisine

When it comes to food, prepare to be enchanted. Greek cuisine celebrates a rich tapestry of regional specialties, with fresh seafood stealing the spotlight. Whether you're savoring grilled octopus by the coast or diving into island-style fish stews, every bite tells a delicious story.

If you're planning where to eat in Athens, tap into the recommendations from Athens Insider, Food and Travel, and even loyal followers of Rick Steves; each brings a fresh perspective on the city's standout dining spots. And if your journey takes you to the Peloponnese, don't miss The Independent’s curated list of must-try restaurants. From local gems to upscale favorites, these sources offer an insider’s guide to unforgettable Greek flavors.

Tips from a Traveler

Nico, a Hellenic American guitarist, music school director, and long-time Chicago resident, has some advice for first time travelers to Greece.

Be prepared to walk in cities like Athens while touring historic sites.
Be sure to carry a water bottle when you tour the Acropolis and the Parthenon in Athens.
Do not drive in Athens. Ride the metro and buses instead. Trains and buses are clean. Metro stations are beautiful.
Be careful of taxicabs, pickpockets, or people trying to coax you into shops in Athens. Rely on the hotel concierge for advice on local sights, restaurants, and transportation.
- Licensed taxis are generally safe, but some drivers may overcharge or take longer routes. To avoid scams, consider pre-booking through services recommended by the hotel concierge.
- Pickpockets are common in crowded areas in the city and on some metro lines.
Put a visit to the National Archaeological Museum on your Athens tour itinerary.
If you visit Peloponnese, a visit to the Ancient Theater of Epidaurus is a must. It is a marble wonder with perfect acoustics. [Read about his magical experience here]
There is no need to brush up on Greek. English is widely spoken across the country, making travel easy and interactions smooth for international visitors.

Don’t Get Lost in Paradise: Stay Connected with an eSIM

Before you jet off to Greece’s sun-soaked islands or wander ancient ruins, make sure you’ve sorted your mobile connectivity with an eSIM for Greece. An eSIM lets you stay in touch with local contacts, navigate with maps, book transportation, and share your adventures in real time—without the hassle of swapping physical SIM cards.

If your itinerary spans across borders, consider grabbing a Europe-wide eSIM. It offers seamless coverage across multiple countries, making your travel smoother and your selfies upload faster.