Greece

Greece is one of those destinations where a single trip can feel like several different journeys.

With thousands of islands, a long mainland coastline, ancient archaeological sites, lively cities, and distinct regions to explore, deciding where to go is often the hardest part.

Greece at a glance

Greece is located in southeastern Europe and consists of a mainland peninsula and thousands of islands scattered across the Aegean and Ionian Seas.

The capital, Athens, is the country's main gateway for many international travelers and is home to some of Greece's most famous ancient landmarks, including the Acropolis and the Parthenon. Thessaloniki, in northern Greece, offers a different experience, combining Byzantine, Roman, Ottoman, and modern Greek influences with a lively food and cultural scene.

Greece uses the euro, and Greek is the official language. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, particularly in hotels, restaurants, airports, and popular islands.

The climate is generally Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers and relatively mild winters in much of the country. However, conditions vary considerably between the mainland, northern regions, and islands.

Where should you go in Greece?

One of the first things to understand about Greece is that its destinations can feel surprisingly different from one another. The islands are not interchangeable, and the mainland has plenty to offer beyond Athens.

Athens

For many visitors, Athens is the natural starting point. The city combines world-famous ancient monuments with contemporary neighborhoods, rooftop restaurants, markets, museums, and nightlife.

The Acropolis is the obvious highlight, but there is much more to see beyond the Parthenon. Exploring Athens on foot can take you from ancient ruins to neoclassical streets and lively local neighborhoods within a single afternoon.

Santorini

Santorini is famous for its whitewashed villages, volcanic landscapes, blue-domed churches, and spectacular sunsets. Oia and Fira are the island's best-known destinations, but there are also beaches, wineries, archaeological sites, hiking routes, and quieter villages to discover.

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki has a different atmosphere from the classic Greek-island experience. Greece's second-largest city is known for its waterfront promenade, historic monuments, Byzantine heritage, lively cafés, and excellent food.

It's also a useful base for exploring northern Greece and works well as either a city break or part of a longer itinerary.

Greece's best beaches

With such an extensive coastline, Greece has no shortage of beaches. Some are long and sandy, others are surrounded by dramatic cliffs, and many can only be reached by boat, hiking trail, or smaller local roads.

The famous beaches of the islands are certainly worth seeing, but some of Greece's most rewarding coastal spots are found away from the biggest tourist centers.

Ancient Greece and its most beautiful temples

Greece is one of Europe's most important destinations for ancient history. Archaeological sites are scattered throughout the country, and you don't need to be a history enthusiast to appreciate the scale and setting of many of them.

The Acropolis in Athens is the most famous example, but temples and sanctuaries can also be found across the mainland and islands. Some are located beside the sea, while others sit among mountains or the remains of ancient cities.

Getting around Greece

Greece is relatively easy to explore, but the best way to travel depends on your itinerary. Ferries connect many of the islands, domestic flights can save time on longer routes, and buses and rental cars are useful for exploring the mainland and larger islands.

For many travelers, the first journey is the one from the airport to their accommodation. This is where arranging your transfer in advance can make things simpler, particularly if you're arriving late, traveling with children or luggage, or heading straight to a hotel outside the main city center.

• Kiwitaxi offers airport transfer services in Greece, allowing you to book a private ride from the airport to your destination before you travel. Your driver meets you on arrival and takes you directly to your hotel or other chosen address, without having to work out local transport after a flight.

• Kiwitaxi also provides chauffeur services in Greece for travelers who want a private car and driver during their stay. This can be useful for longer sightseeing days, business trips, family travel, or itineraries that involve visiting several places without relying entirely on public transport.

Planning your trip to Greece

There is no single "best" way to travel around Greece. A first-time visitor might combine Athens with Santorini, while another traveler may prefer a road trip through the mainland, a beach holiday in Crete, or a city break in Thessaloniki followed by northern Greece.

The best itinerary also depends heavily on the time of year.

• Summer is ideal for classic island and beach holidays, while spring and autumn can be particularly pleasant for sightseeing, hiking, and exploring cities with fewer crowds.

• Winter offers a quieter side of Greece and can be a good time to focus on Athens and mainland destinations.

Whether you're coming for ancient history, island beaches, Mediterranean food, lively cities, or simply a few days in the sun, Greece offers plenty of ways to put together a trip that feels like your own.