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. Pallas Theatre Pallas Theatre
    02 1 hour

    Pallas Theatre

    Θέατρο Παλλάς

    Pallas Theatre is a historic performance venue located in Athens, the capital of Greece. It forms part of the city's cultural infrastructure and contributes to Athens' reputation as a destination with significant theatrical heritage.

    • Must see
    • Art and culture venue
    • Athens
  2. Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens
    03 30 min

    Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens

    Μητροπολιτικός Ναός Αθηνών

    The Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens is the principal Orthodox cathedral of the Greek capital. Construction began in 1842 and was completed in 1862. It serves as the seat of the Archbishop of Athens and All Greece.

    • Must see
    • Place of worship
    • Athens
  3. Agios Eleftherios Church Agios Eleftherios Church
    04 30 min

    Agios Eleftherios Church

    Παναγία Γοργοεπήκοος και Άγιος Ελευθέριος

    Little Metropolis is a small Byzantine church situated in central Athens, near the Metropolitan Cathedral. The church is also known as the Church of St.

    • Must see
    • Place of worship
    • Athens
  4. Church of Panaghia Kapnikarea Church of Panaghia Kapnikarea
    05 30 min

    Church of Panaghia Kapnikarea

    Παναγία Καπνικαρέα

    The Church of Panagia Kapnikarea is a Byzantine-era church standing prominently on Ermou Street in central Athens. It dates to the 11th century, though portions may reflect earlier construction.

    • Must see
    • Place of worship
    • Athens
  5. Church of the Holy Apostles
    06 30 min

    Church of the Holy Apostles

    Άγιοι Απόστολοι

    The Church of the Holy Apostles is a Byzantine-era church located in Athens, Greece. It stands within the Ancient Agora archaeological site, one of the most significant historical areas of the Greek capital.

    • Must see
    • Place of worship
    • Athens
  6. Petraki Monastery
    07 30 min

    Petraki Monastery

    Ιερά Μονή Ασωμάτων - Πετράκη

    Petraki Monastery is a religious site located in Athens, Greece. It stands as one of the city's monastic establishments, contributing to the historical and spiritual landscape of the Greek capital.

    • Must see
    • Place of worship
    • Athens
  7. Lycabettus Theatre
    10 1 hour

    Lycabettus Theatre

    Θέατρο Λυκαβηττού

    • High
    • Art and culture venue
    • Athens
  8. Agii Theodori
    11 30 min

    Agii Theodori

    Άγιοι Θεόδωροι

    • High
    • Place of worship
    • Athens
  9. First Cemetery of Athens
    12 30 min

    First Cemetery of Athens

    Α' Νεκροταφείο Αθηνών

    • High
    • Place of worship
    • Athens
  10. Pantanassa church
    14 30 min

    Pantanassa church

    Παναγία Παντάνασσα

    • High
    • Place of worship
    • Athens
  11. Saint George church
    15 30 min

    Saint George church

    Άγιος Γεώργιος

    • High
    • Place of worship
    • Athens
  12. Agioi Asomatoi Agioi Asomatoi
    17 30 min

    Agioi Asomatoi

    Άγιοι Ασώματοι

    • High
    • Place of worship
    • Athens
  13. Athens Mosque
    21 30 min

    Athens Mosque

    Ισλαμικό Τέμενος Αθηνών

    • High
    • Place of worship
    • Athens
  14. Beth Shalom Synagogue
    22 30 min

    Beth Shalom Synagogue

    Συναγωγή Μπεθ Σαλώμ

    • High
    • Place of worship
    • Athens
  15. Panagia Chrysospiliotissa
    24 30 min

    Panagia Chrysospiliotissa

    Παναγία Χρυσοσπηλιώτισσα

    • High
    • Place of worship
    • Athens
  16. Etz Chaim Synagogue
    25 30 min

    Etz Chaim Synagogue

    Συναγωγή Ετς Χαΐμ

    • High
    • Place of worship
    • Athens
  17. National Glyptotheque
    27 1 hour

    National Glyptotheque

    Χώρος Εθνικής Γλυπτοθήκης

    • High
    • Art and culture venue
    • Athens
  18. The Runner
    29 1 hour

    The Runner

    Δρομέας

    • High
    • Art and culture venue
    • Athens
  19. Badminton Theater
    30 1 hour

    Badminton Theater

    Θέατρο Badminton

    • High
    • Art and culture venue
    • Athens
  20. Olympia Theatre Olympia Theatre
    31 1 hour

    Olympia Theatre

    Ολύμπια, Δημοτικό Μουσικό Θέατρο «Μαρία Κάλλας»

    • High
    • Art and culture venue
    • Athens
  21. Theatre "Athenon"
    32 1 hour

    Theatre "Athenon"

    Θέατρο Αθηνών

    • High
    • Art and culture venue
    • Athens
  22. Agios Georgios Karytsi
    35 30 min

    Agios Georgios Karytsi

    Άγιος Γεώργιος Καρύτσης

    • High
    • Place of worship
    • Athens
  23. Hagia Irene Church
    36 30 min

    Hagia Irene Church

    Αγία Ειρήνη

    • High
    • Place of worship
    • Athens
  24. Akropol Theatre
    40 1 hour

    Akropol Theatre

    Ακροπόλ

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Athens
  25. Embros Theater
    42 1 hour

    Embros Theater

    Εμπρός

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Athens
  26. Bagkeion Mansion
    44 1 hour

    Bagkeion Mansion

    Μπάγκειον Ξενοδοχείο

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Athens
  27. Laskaridou house
    45 1 hour

    Laskaridou house

    Δημοτική Πινακοθήκη «Σοφία Λασκαρίδου»

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Athens
  28. Alfa.Idea
    46 1 hour

    Alfa.Idea

    Άλφα.Ιδέα

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Athens
  29. iFocus
    49 1 hour

    iFocus

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Athens
  30. Peritechnon Karteris
    51 1 hour

    Peritechnon Karteris

    Περί Τεχνών Καρτέρης

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Athens
  31. The Arts Center
    52 1 hour

    The Arts Center

    Κέντρο Τεχνών

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Athens
  32. Theatro tis Imeras
    53 1 hour

    Theatro tis Imeras

    Θέατρο της Ημέρας

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Athens
  33. First Greek Evangelical Church
    54 30 min

    First Greek Evangelical Church

    Α' Ελληνική Ευαγγελική Εκκλησία

    • Notable
    • Place of worship
    • Athens
  34. Saint Nicholas church
    55 30 min

    Saint Nicholas church

    Άγιος Νικόλαος

    • Notable
    • Place of worship
    • Athens
  35. Second Greek Evangelical Church
    56 30 min

    Second Greek Evangelical Church

    Β' ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΕΥΑΓΓΕΛΙΚΗ ΕΚΚΛΗΣΙΑ

    • Notable
    • Place of worship
    • Athens
  36. Cave of Prophet Elias
    57 30 min

    Cave of Prophet Elias

    Προφήτης Ηλίας

    • Notable
    • Place of worship
    • Athens
  37. Holy Apostles church
    60 30 min

    Holy Apostles church

    Άγιοι Απόστολοι

    • Notable
    • Place of worship
    • Athens
  38. Katholikon of Moni Petraki
    61 30 min

    Katholikon of Moni Petraki

    Συνοδικό Παρεκκλήσιο Παμμεγίστων Ταξιαρχών

    • Notable
    • Place of worship
    • Athens
  39. 321gallery
    63 1 hour

    321gallery

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Athens
  40. Alibi Gallery
    66 1 hour

    Alibi Gallery

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Athens
  41. Angelon Vima
    68 1 hour

    Angelon Vima

    Αγγέλων Βήμα

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Athens
  42. Antitheatro
    70 1 hour

    Antitheatro

    Αντιθέατρο

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Athens
  43. Ark
    71 1 hour

    Ark

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Athens
  44. Art In Gifts
    72 1 hour

    Art In Gifts

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Athens
  45. Art Space Asomaton
    73 1 hour

    Art Space Asomaton

    Χώρος Τέχνης Ασωμάτων

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Athens
  46. Art Zone 42
    74 1 hour

    Art Zone 42

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Athens
  47. Attis Theatre
    75 1 hour

    Attis Theatre

    Attis

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Athens
  48. Beneficial & Xenios Hermes
    78 1 hour

    Beneficial & Xenios Hermes

    Κερδώος και Φιλόξενος Ερμής

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Athens
  49. Bliss
    80 1 hour

    Bliss

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Athens
  50. Broadway Theatre
    81 1 hour

    Broadway Theatre

    Θέατρο Μπρόντγουαιη

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Athens
  51. Bust of Eduard Schaubert
    86 1 hour

    Bust of Eduard Schaubert

    Εδουάρδος Σάουμπερτ

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Athens
  52. bust of Georgios Rizaris
    88 1 hour

    bust of Georgios Rizaris

    ΓΕΩΡΓΙΟΣ ΡΙΖΑΡΗΣ

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Athens
  53. Bust of Giorgos Seferis
    90 1 hour

    Bust of Giorgos Seferis

    Γιώργος Σεφέρης

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Athens
  54. Bust of Gregory Xenopoulos
    91 1 hour

    Bust of Gregory Xenopoulos

    Γρηγόριος Ξενόπουλος

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Athens
  55. Ceramic Jug
    94 1 hour

    Ceramic Jug

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Athens
  56. Clytemnestra
    95 1 hour

    Clytemnestra

    Κλυταιμνήστρα

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Athens
  57. Column
    96 1 hour

    Column

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Athens
  58. Communication
    97 1 hour

    Communication

    Επικοινωνία

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Athens
  59. Coronet
    98 1 hour

    Coronet

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Athens
  60. Coronet
    99 1 hour

    Coronet

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • Athens
  61. Create art
    100 1 hour

    Create art

    • Notable
    • Art and culture venue
    • 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.