Smart Self-Managed Tours

Country guide

Greece

A photograph of Greece
Photograph · George E. Koronaios · CC BY-SA 4.0

Greece has the longest coastline on the Mediterranean and somewhere between 1,200 and 6,000 islands depending on how an island is counted, of which 227 are inhabited. That figure is the whole planning problem. Around 10 million people live in the country's nine regions, and the three largest cities - Athens, Thessaloniki, Patras - are all on the mainland, while the 21 UNESCO World Heritage Sites are spread across mainland and islands alike. Most trips split accordingly: the mainland for antiquity and the mountains that fill the southern tip of the Balkan peninsula, the islands for the sea, with Crete, the largest of them, big enough to fill a week on its own.

Cities

Every city catalogued in this country so far, ranked by how much there is to see.

Practical information

Language spoken
Greek
National practical orientation; regional and minority languages may also be used
Dialling code
+30
International calling code; local area and mobile prefixes still apply
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Use the official local currency; card acceptance varies by place
Emergency number
112
Use only for an emergency; tourist assistance may use a separate number
Plug type
Type C and F · 230 V
Check that chargers support the recorded voltage before using an adapter
Tap water
Not recorded
No single verified statement covers the mainland and all islands

Planning a visit

  1. January: seasonal closure recorded
  2. February: seasonal closure recorded
  3. March: seasonal closure recorded
  4. April: seasonal closure recorded
  5. May: seasonal closure recorded
  6. June: seasonal closure recorded
  7. July: seasonal closure recorded
  8. August: seasonal closure recorded — this month
  9. September: seasonal closure recorded
  10. October: seasonal closure recorded
  11. November: seasonal closure recorded
  12. December: seasonal closure recorded

Top things to see

Ranked by importance — sitelinks, pageviews and heritage status, not editor preference.

  1. Temple of Olympian Zeus Temple of Olympian Zeus
    02 45 min

    Temple of Olympian Zeus

    Ναός του Ολυμπίου Διός

    The Temple of Olympian Zeus stands inside the archaeological site of the Olympieion, the sanctuary of Olympian Zeus that occupied the low ground between the Acropolis and the hill of Ardittos, on the banks of the Ilissos.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Athens
  2. Panathenaic Stadium Panathenaic Stadium
    03 1 hour

    Panathenaic Stadium

    Παναθηναϊκό Στάδιο

    The Panathenaic Stadium is a horseshoe of white Pentelic marble sunk into the hollow between the hills of Ardittos and Agra, about a kilometre south-east of Syntagma Square.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Athens
  3. Roman Agora Roman Agora
    04 45 min

    Roman Agora

    Ρωμαϊκή Αγορά Αθηνών

    The Roman Agora is an archaeological site in central Athens, located to the north of the Acropolis. It was constructed during the Roman period and served as a commercial and administrative centre, distinct from the earlier Classical Agora.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Athens
  4. Syntagma Square Syntagma Square
    05 45 min

    Syntagma Square

    Πλατεία Συντάγματος

    Syntagma Square is the central plaza of Athens, Greece, serving as the political and geographic heart of the capital. It derives its name from the Greek constitution (syntagma) granted in 1843.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Athens
  5. Odeon of Herodes Atticus Odeon of Herodes Atticus
    06 45 min

    Odeon of Herodes Atticus

    Ωδείο Ηρώδου Αττικού

    The Odeon of Herodes Atticus is a stone Roman theatre structure on the southwest slope of the Acropolis in Athens, Greece.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Athens
  6. Monastiraki Square Monastiraki Square
    07 45 min

    Monastiraki Square

    Monastiraki Square is a public square in central Athens, Greece. It serves as a meeting point between the old city and the modern commercial district.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Athens
  7. Hadrian's Library Hadrian's Library
    08 45 min

    Hadrian's Library

    Βιβλιοθήκη του Αδριανού

    Hadrian's Library is a walled Roman enclosure in the middle of Athens, a few minutes north of the Acropolis and immediately east of Monastiraki Square.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Athens
  8. Arch of Hadrian Arch of Hadrian
    09 45 min

    Arch of Hadrian

    Πύλη του Αδριανού

    The Arch of Hadrian, known locally as Πύλη του Αδριανού, is a monumental gateway in Athens, Greece. Erected in the second century CE, it stands on the ancient road between the Athenian Agora and the Olympieion.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Athens
  9. Kerameikos Kerameikos
    10 45 min

    Kerameikos

    Αρχαιολογικός Χώρος Κεραμεικού

    Kerameikos is an ancient cemetery and archaeological site in Athens, located northwest of the Acropolis along the Eridanos River. The area served as the primary burial ground for the city from the 12th century BC through Roman times.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Athens
  10. Temple of Hephaestus Temple of Hephaestus
    11 45 min

    Temple of Hephaestus

    Ναός Ηφαίστου

    The Temple of Hephaestus stands in the Ancient Agora of Athens, a well-preserved Doric temple dedicated to Hephaestus, god of fire and metalworking. Constructed largely of Pentelic marble, it dominates the western side of the agora.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Athens
  11. Platonic Academy Platonic Academy
    12 45 min

    Platonic Academy

    Αρχαιολογικός Χώρος Ακαδημίας Πλάτωνος

    The Platonic Academy is an archaeological site in Athens, Greece, marking the location of Plato's famous school of philosophy founded in the early 4th century BCE.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Athens
  12. Theatre of Dionysus Theatre of Dionysus
    13 45 min

    Theatre of Dionysus

    Θέατρο του Διονύσου

    The Theatre of Dionysus is an ancient Greek theatre on the south slope of the Acropolis in Athens. It is widely regarded as the birthplace of European theatre and the first home of dramatic performances.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Athens
  13. Erechtheion Erechtheion
    14 45 min

    Erechtheion

    Ερέχθειο

    The Erechtheion is an ancient Greek temple on the north side of the Acropolis in Athens. Dedicated to Athena and Poseidon-Erechtheus, it was built in the Ionic order.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Athens
  14. Temple of Athena Nike Temple of Athena Nike
    15 45 min

    Temple of Athena Nike

    Ναός Αθηνάς Νίκης

    The Temple of Athena Nike is an ancient Greek temple on the Acropolis of Athens, dedicated to Athena in her aspect as the goddess of victory.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Athens
  15. Tower of the Winds Tower of the Winds
    16 45 min

    Tower of the Winds

    Αέρηδες

    The Tower of the Winds, known locally as Αέρηδες, is an octagonal marble clocktower in the Roman Agora of Athens. Built in the 1st century BCE, it functioned as a horologion, combining a water clock, sundial, and wind vane.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Athens
  16. Pnyx
    17 45 min

    Pnyx

    Πνύκα

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Athens
  17. Stoa of Attalos
    18 45 min

    Stoa of Attalos

    Στοά του Αττάλου

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Athens
  18. Old Royal Palace
    20 45 min

    Old Royal Palace

    Βουλή των Ελλήνων

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Athens
  19. Tzistarakis Mosque
    22 45 min

    Tzistarakis Mosque

    Τζαμί Τζισταράκη

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Athens
  20. Areopagus
    23 45 min

    Areopagus

    Άρειος Πάγος

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Athens
  21. Classical Athens
    24 45 min

    Classical Athens

    Αθήνα

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Athens
  22. Fethiye Mosque
    25 45 min

    Fethiye Mosque

    Φετιχιέ Τζαμί

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Athens
  23. Philopappos Monument
    26 45 min

    Philopappos Monument

    Μνημείο Φιλοπάππου

    The Philopappos Monument is an ancient funerary monument situated on Mouseion Hill, southwest of the Athenian Acropolis.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Athens
  24. Stoa of Eumenes
    27 45 min

    Stoa of Eumenes

    Στοά Ευμένους

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Athens
  25. Lyceum
    28 45 min

    Lyceum

    Λύκειο Αριστοτέλη

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Athens
  26. Asclepieion of Athens
    29 45 min

    Asclepieion of Athens

    Ασκληπιείο Αθηνών

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Athens
  27. Temple of Rome and Augustus
    30 45 min

    Temple of Rome and Augustus

    Ναός της Ρώμης και του Αυγούστου

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Athens
  28. Athena Promachos
    31 45 min

    Athena Promachos

    Άγαλμα Αθηνάς Προμάχου

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Athens
  29. Athens Polytechnic uprising Athens Polytechnic uprising
    33 45 min

    Athens Polytechnic uprising

    Κατεστραμμένη πύλη του Πολυτεχνείου

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Athens
  30. Stoa Poikile Stoa Poikile
    34 45 min

    Stoa Poikile

    Ποικίλη Στοά

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Athens
  31. Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
    36 45 min

    Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

    Μνημείο Αγνώστου Στρατιώτου

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Athens
  32. Pedestal of Agrippa
    37 45 min

    Pedestal of Agrippa

    Μνημείο του Αγρίππα

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Athens
  33. Eleusinion
    39 45 min

    Eleusinion

    Ἐλευσίνιον

    • High
    • Historic monument
    • Athens
  34. Odeon of Agrippa
    40 45 min

    Odeon of Agrippa

    Ωδείο τού Αγρίππα

    • High
    • Historic monument
    • Athens
  35. Arrephorion
    41 45 min

    Arrephorion

    Αρρηφόριον

    • High
    • Historic monument
    • Athens
  36. Dipylon
    42 45 min

    Dipylon

    Δίπυλον

    • High
    • Historic monument
    • Athens
  37. Pandroseion
    43 45 min

    Pandroseion

    Πανδρόσειο

    • High
    • Historic monument
    • Athens
  38. Iliou Melathron
    44 45 min

    Iliou Melathron

    Ιλίου Μέλαθρον

    • High
    • Historic monument
    • Athens
  39. Temple of Artemis Agrotera
    45 45 min

    Temple of Artemis Agrotera

    Ναός Αγροτέρας Αρτέμιδος

    • High
    • Historic monument
    • Athens
  40. Stoa of Zeus
    47 45 min

    Stoa of Zeus

    Στοά του Ελευθερίου Διός

    • High
    • Historic monument
    • Athens
  41. Temple of Apollo Patroos
    48 45 min

    Temple of Apollo Patroos

    Ναός του Απόλλωνος Πατρώου

    • High
    • Historic monument
    • Athens
  42. Psyri
    51 45 min

    Psyri

    Ψυρρή

    • High
    • Historic monument
    • Athens
  43. Gate of Athena Archegetis
    54 45 min

    Gate of Athena Archegetis

    Πύλη Αρχηγέτιδος Αθηνάς

    • High
    • Historic monument
    • Athens
  44. Stoa Basileios
    55 45 min

    Stoa Basileios

    Βασίλειος Στοά

    • High
    • Historic monument
    • Athens
  45. Strategeion
    56 45 min

    Strategeion

    Στρατηγείον

    • High
    • Historic monument
    • Athens
  46. Temple of Ares
    57 45 min

    Temple of Ares

    Ναός τού Άρη

    • High
    • Historic monument
    • Athens
  47. Panathenaic way
    58 45 min

    Panathenaic way

    Οδός Παναθηναίων

    • High
    • Historic monument
    • Athens
  48. Pompeion
    59 45 min

    Pompeion

    Πομπείον

    • High
    • Historic monument
    • Athens
  49. Monument of Nikias Monument of Nikias
    61 45 min

    Monument of Nikias

    Χορηγικό μνημείο Νικία

    • High
    • Historic monument
    • Athens
  50. Enneakrounos
    62 45 min

    Enneakrounos

    South west Fountain House

    • High
    • Historic monument
    • Athens
  51. Altar of Zeus Agoraios
    63 45 min

    Altar of Zeus Agoraios

    Βωμός Διός Αγοραίου

    • High
    • Historic monument
    • Athens
  52. Ilissos Basilica
    65 45 min

    Ilissos Basilica

    Βασιλική του Ιλισσού-Μαρτύριον Αγίου Λεωνίδη

    • High
    • Historic monument
    • Athens
  53. Serpieri Mansion
    66 45 min

    Serpieri Mansion

    Αρχοντικό Σερπιέρη

    • High
    • Historic monument
    • Athens
  54. Aphrodite and Eros shrine
    68 45 min

    Aphrodite and Eros shrine

    Ιερό Έρωτα και Αφροδίτης

    • High
    • Historic monument
    • Athens
  55. Athens
    69 45 min

    Athens

    Νομισματοκοπείον

    • High
    • Historic monument
    • Athens
  56. Prison of Socrates
    71 45 min

    Prison of Socrates

    Φυλακή του Σωκράτη

    • High
    • Historic monument
    • Athens
  57. Schliemann Mausoleum
    73 45 min

    Schliemann Mausoleum

    Ερρίκος Σλήμαν

    • High
    • Historic monument
    • Athens
  58. Acropolis Western Hills
    74 45 min

    Acropolis Western Hills

    Δυτικοί λόφοι Αθηνών

    • High
    • Historic monument
    • Athens
  59. Kotzia square excavation
    75 45 min

    Kotzia square excavation

    Αχαρνική οδός και τάφοι

    • High
    • Historic monument
    • Athens
  60. Zeus Meilichios sanctuary
    77 45 min

    Zeus Meilichios sanctuary

    Ναός του Μειλιχίου Διός

    • High
    • Historic monument
    • Athens
  61. Bema of Phaidros
    78 45 min

    Bema of Phaidros

    Βήμα του Φαίδρου

    • High
    • Historic monument
    • Athens
  62. Lela Karagianni House
    79 45 min

    Lela Karagianni House

    Οικία Λέλας Καραγιάννη

    • High
    • Historic monument
    • Athens
  63. Weiler Building
    84 45 min

    Weiler Building

    Μέγαρο Βάιλερ

    • High
    • Historic monument
    • Athens
  64. Swedish Institute at Athens
    86 45 min

    Swedish Institute at Athens

    Σουηδικό Αρχαιολογικό Ινστιτούτο

    • High
    • Historic monument
    • Athens
  65. Acropolis walls
    88 45 min

    Acropolis walls

    Τείχη της Ακρόπολεως

    • High
    • Historic monument
    • Athens
  66. Adamantios Korais
    89 45 min

    Adamantios Korais

    Αδαμάντιος Κοραής

    • High
    • Historic monument
    • Athens
  67. Agoranomion
    92 45 min

    Agoranomion

    Αγορανομείον

    • High
    • Historic monument
    • Athens
  68. Alexandros Papadiamantis
    93 45 min

    Alexandros Papadiamantis

    Αλέξανδρος Παπαδιαμάντης

    • High
    • Historic monument
    • Athens
  69. Alexandros Papadiamantis
    94 45 min

    Alexandros Papadiamantis

    Αλέξανδρος Παπαδιαμάντης

    • High
    • Historic monument
    • Athens
  70. Amalia's Seat
    97 45 min

    Amalia's Seat

    Κάθισμα Αμαλία

    • High
    • Historic monument
    • Athens

Source: OpenStreetMap contributors, Wikidata ·

Common questions

How long should a first trip to Greece be?

Eight to twelve days can cover Athens, one mainland archaeological route and one island group. Every ferry leg consumes real itinerary time, so collecting ports across several island chains is poor use of a first visit.

What entry documents are needed for Greece?

Greece’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs provides the visa framework for entry. Passport nationality, stay length and the wider Schengen route determine whether an application is needed and where it must be lodged.

What is the best way to travel around Greece?

Athens is the main gateway, while ferries and domestic flights connect island groups and regional airports. Mainland buses and limited rail corridors require route-specific planning; ferry schedules should be rechecked close to travel.

When is a practical time to visit Greece?

April to June and September to October suit many archaeological and island itineraries without peak midsummer heat. Ferry exposure, island seasonality and mountain weather still vary by destination.

What money and payment basics apply in Greece?

Greece prices transactions in euros (EUR). National card-acceptance and fee details are Not recorded in this bundle; confirm payment expectations with small accommodations, boat operators and remote businesses.

What practical safety details should I save for Greece?

Greece uses 112 for emergency assistance and 230 V Type C and F sockets. A single nationwide tap-water recommendation is Not recorded, so use the relevant island or municipal guidance.