Uncover
Greece’s timeless charm - from ancient landmarks and sun-kissed
islands to mountain villages and Mediterranean flavours. Plan your
trip with essential travel tips and insider guidance.
Country: Greece
Continent / Region: Europe / Southern Europe / Mediterranean
Capital City: Athens
Government Type: Parliamentary Republic
Population: Approx. 10.5 million
Official Language(s): Greek
Percentage of Population Who Speak English: ~50% (very high in tourist areas)
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Time Zone (GMT): GMT+2 (EET) / GMT+3 (EEST in summer)
Driving Side: Right
Electric Plug Type / Voltage: Type C/F – 230V
Adapter Needed: UK travellers require a plug adapter
Emergency Numbers: 112 (EU standard), 100 (Police), 166 (Ambulance), 199 (Fire)
Travel Time from the UK (London): 3.5–4 hours (direct)
Best Time/Months to Travel: May–October (peak summer June–September)
Main International Airports:
- Visa Requirements: Part of the Schengen Area
- Visa Needed for UK Citizens: Not required for short stays
- Visa Duration / Cost: Up to 90 days in 180-day period
- Vaccinations Needed: Routine vaccines recommended
Embassy Information (UK Embassy in Greece):
Average Daily Costs: £60 / £120 / £250+
Tipping Culture: 5–10% common; round-up for small services
Public Transport Options: Buses, metro (Athens), ferries, trams, taxis
Approx. Cost of Single Fare: €1.20–€1.40 (Athens metro/bus)
Internet / SIM Availability: Excellent 4G/5G; COSMOTE, Vodafone, WIND
Main Climate Type: Mediterranean (hot dry summers, mild winters)
Average Temperature: Winter 8–15°C; Summer 25–35°C
Major Cities: Athens, Thessaloniki, Patras, Heraklion, Chania, Rhodes Town
Natural Attractions: Santorini caldera, Vikos Gorge, Samaria Gorge, Myrtos Beach, Mount Olympus
Popular Destinations: Athens, Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, Naxos, Paros
Main Religions: Greek Orthodox Christianity
Cultural Etiquette / Customs:
Cuisine Highlights: Moussaka, souvlaki, gyros, Greek salad, feta cheese, fresh seafood, baklava
Local Festivals:
Famous Landmarks: Acropolis, Parthenon, Delphi, Meteora, Knossos Palace, Temple of Poseidon, ancient theatres
Overall Safety Rating: Safe
Common Scams: Taxi overcharging, unofficial tour sellers, beach rental scams
Health Risks: Heatwaves, jellyfish stings in some coastal areas
Recommended Clinics: Private medical centres in Athens, Crete, Rhodes
Insurance Recommendation: Standard travel insurance advised
Internet Speed: Reliable 4G/5G; good Wi-Fi in hotels and cafés
Useful Phrases:
Must-See Attractions: Acropolis, Santorini sunsets, Mykonos beaches, Delphi ruins, Meteora monasteries, Samaria Gorge, Corfu Old Town
Unique Experiences: Island-hopping by ferry, thermal springs, traditional Greek cooking classes, olive oil tastings, wine tours (Santorini & Nemea)
Hidden Gems: Milos beaches, Naxos villages, Amorgos trails, Monemvasia castle town, Ikaria (the “island where people forget to die”)
Popular Areas to Stay: Plaka (Athens), Oia & Fira (Santorini), Chania (Crete), Mykonos Town, Rhodes Old Town
Average Hotel Prices: £40 / £100 / £250+
Book A Hotel: You can book your accommodation right here.
Nightlife Areas: Mykonos Town, Fira (Santorini), Athens Gazi district, Thessaloniki Ladadika
Local Drinks: Ouzo, raki/tsikoudia, Greek wines, Metaxa brandy
Entertainment: Beach clubs, live music (bouzoukia), tavernas, cultural festivals
Car Rental: Widely available; useful on islands
Domestic Flights: Frequent between Athens and major islands
Trains: Limited network; buses more common
Taxi / Rideshare Costs: €5–€20 typical rides; Beat app used in Athens
Best Markets: Monastiraki Flea Market, Athens Central Market, Rhodes Old Town markets
Popular Souvenirs: Olive oil products, honey, wine, ceramics, evil eye charms, leather sandals
Local SIM Card Providers: COSMOTE, Vodafone, WIND
Typical Business Hours: 9 a.m.–9 p.m. (varies widely; siesta hours common)
Tap Water Safety: Safe in most cities; bottled water recommended on some islands
Local Apps to Download:
Did You Know?
Greece has over 6,000 islands and islets — but only around 200 are inhabited.