Europe
Greece
Islands, ancient sites and a relaxed café culture, with easy ferries and a digital nomad visa. Summers are hot and crowded, and many island businesses close from November to April.
- US travel advisoryLevel 1Exercise normal precautionsDetails
- Visa93 of 198passports can visit visa-freeDetails
- CurrencyEURUS$1 ≈ €0.89Details
- Price level60%of US prices (World Bank PPP)Details
- English4/5Widely spokenDetails
- PlugsType C, F230 V, 50 HzDetails
- Emergency112Police 100 · Ambulance 166 · Fire 199 · Tourist police 1571 · All emergencies 112
- Tap waterYes, drinkableSafe in Athens, Thessaloniki and most mainland towns.Details
- LGBTQ+Marriage equalityMarriage legal since 2024.Details
- Internet91 MbpsMedian fixed broadband · mobile 133 MbpsDetails
- DrivingOn the rightNon-EU licences generally need an International Driving Permit; rental firms check. Quads and scooters need a motorcycle licence.
- Digital nomad visaYesDigital Nomad VisaDetails
Where to go in Greece
23 places with full guides. Comfortable monthly budget for one person, rent included.
| Place | Safety | Month, comfortable | Best months | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AthensCapital city | 4/5 | $2,140–3,150 | Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct | 30/100 |
| SantoriniIsland | 4/5 | $2,810–4,280 | May–Jun, Sep–Oct | 12/100 |
| MykonosIsland | 4/5 | $3,380–5,060 | May–Jun, Sep | 7/100 |
| CreteIsland | 4/5 | $1,800–2,700 | May–Jun, Sep–Oct | 47/100 |
| RhodesIsland | 4/5 | $1,800–2,700 | May–Jun, Sep–Oct | 42/100 |
| CorfuIsland | 4/5 | $1,690–2,590 | May–Jun, Sep–Oct | 48/100 |
| ThessalonikiCity | 4/5 | $1,580–2,360 | Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct | 49/100 |
| NaxosIsland | 5/5 | $1,910–2,810 | May–Jun, Sep–Oct | 48/100 |
| ParosIsland | 5/5 | $2,140–3,150 | May–Jun, Sep–Oct | 40/100 |
| ZakynthosIsland | 4/5 | $1,690–2,590 | May–Jun, Sep–Oct | 47/100 |
| ChaniaCity | 5/5 | $1,690–2,590 | May–Jun, Sep–Oct | 58/100 |
| MilosIsland | 5/5 | $2,700–3,940 | May–Jun, Sep–Oct | 21/100 |
| KosIsland | 4/5 | $2,140–3,150 | May–Jun, Sep–Oct | 30/100 |
| KefaloniaIsland | 5/5 | $2,140–3,150 | May–Jun, Sep–Oct | 37/100 |
| MeteoraRegion | 5/5 | $1,690–2,480 | Apr–May, Sep–Oct | 55/100 |
| HalkidikiRegion | 5/5 | $2,030–2,930 | Jun–Sep | 40/100 |
| IosIsland | 4/5 | $2,480–3,600 | Jun–Sep | 20/100 |
| LefkadaIsland | 5/5 | $2,030–2,930 | May–Jun, Sep–Oct | 43/100 |
| NafplioTown | 5/5 | $2,030–2,930 | Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct | 41/100 |
| SkiathosIsland | 5/5 | $2,480–3,600 | Jun–Jul, Sep | 26/100 |
| HydraIsland | 5/5 | $2,930–4,280 | May–Jun, Sep–Oct | 16/100 |
| PeloponneseRegion | 4/5 | $1,690–2,480 | Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct | 49/100 |
| ThassosIsland | 5/5 | $1,460–2,140 | Jun–Jul, Sep | 64/100 |
When to visit Greece
Late May–June and September–mid-October for islands and sea. Athens is best in spring and autumn. July–August is hot, crowded and pricey; winter suits Athens and Crete.
Good to know
Entry
- Schengen member: non-EU visitors are registered in the EU Entry/Exit System (fingerprints and photo) instead of passport stamps.
- ETIAS is not running yet; the EU will announce its start date months in advance.
- Ferries from Turkey and Albania cross the Schengen external border, so expect full passport checks there.
Laws visitors break by accident
- Taking stones, fragments or artefacts from archaeological sites is a criminal offence.
- Flying drones over archaeological sites needs a permit.
- Drug laws are strict; even small amounts of cannabis can lead to arrest.
Etiquette
- Dinner starts late, often 21:00 or after.
- Cover shoulders and knees in churches and monasteries.
- Put toilet paper in the bin, not the toilet; pipes are narrow.
- Avoid the open-palm 'moutza' gesture; it's a serious insult.
Tipping
Round up or leave 5–10% in tavernas and cafés, ideally in cash; card tips often can't be added.
Neighbouring countries
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Ministry of Migration and Asylum
- Visit Greece (Greek National Tourism Organisation)
- Hellenic Train
- European Commission: Entry/Exit System
- World Bank open data
Country facts are researched by SoloSquare; advisory levels, crime, health and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.