Greece: Santorini & Athens Hotel Deals

May, June, September and early October are the best months to visit Greece: warm sea, sunny days and fewer crowds than July and August. Peak summer is hot and the islands are busiest and most expensive.

Winter is quiet and mild in Athens, but many island hotels and ferries reduce their service from November to March.

Greece has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers (often 30°C and above) and mild, wetter winters. The Aegean islands are cooled by the meltemi wind in July and August.

Greece uses the euro (EUR). Cards are widely accepted, but carry some cash for small tavernas, kiosks and island taxis.

Greece offers good value outside peak season: budget travellers can manage on about €50–80 per day and mid-range travellers on about €100–180 per day. Santorini and Mykonos are much pricier in summer — booking early is the key to Santorini and Athens hotel deals.

Greek is the official language and uses its own alphabet, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas, and signs are usually in both Greek and Latin letters.

Greece is part of the Schengen Area: EU citizens travel freely, one Schengen visa covers all Schengen countries, and many other nationalities (including UK, US, Canadian and Australian citizens) can visit visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Visitors from visa-exempt countries will also need an online ETIAS travel authorisation once that system starts. Rules depend on your passport, so always confirm with the official government website or embassy before you book.

Athens Metro line 3 connects the airport with the city centre. Ferries from Piraeus and Rafina reach the Cyclades — fast boats take about 5 hours to Santorini — and domestic flights save time for longer hops.

On larger islands such as Crete, a rental car or scooter is the best way to explore beaches and villages.

Greek food is fresh and simple: try souvlaki, gyros, moussaka, horiatiki (Greek salad), grilled octopus and loukoumades (honey doughnuts). Meals are shared and relaxed, often outdoors by the sea.

Greeks are famously hospitable (philoxenia), and family and food are central to life. Dress modestly when visiting monasteries and churches — shoulders and knees covered — and expect late dinners.

Mobile coverage is good on the mainland and main islands, and Wi-Fi is standard in hotels and cafés. EU roaming applies; prepaid SIMs are sold at kiosks and phone shops.