From Zero · Complete Greece Travel Guide
First Time in Greece? Read This Guide
Greece — cradle of Western civilization, blue-and-white paradise, land of cuisine. Whether it's your first visit or you're looking for practical info, this guide covers visa, best seasons, budget, safety, must-sees, and tips. Compiled by Oulang Travel with 20 years of Greece expertise.
🗓️ Best Time to Visit
| Season | Months | Features | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | Apr-May | Pleasant (15-25°C), flower season, fewer tourists, lower prices | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Summer | Jun-Aug | Peak season, hot (30-40°C), best for islands, crowded & expensive | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Autumn | Sep-Oct | Warm sea, fewer crowds, prices drop, comfortable weather | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Winter | Nov-Mar | Off-season, some islands closed, good for Athens + mainland, lowest prices | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Essential Tips
Visa
Schengen visa required. Apply at Greek Embassy or VFS Global. 10-15 working days processing. Valid for all 27 Schengen countries. Apply 1-2 months ahead.
Budget
Budget: €80-120/day (hostel + public transport + street food). Mid-range: €150-250/day (3-star hotel + taxi + restaurants). Luxury: €400+/day (5-star + private car + fine dining).
Power & SIM
Greece uses European round 2-pin plugs (Type C/F), 220V. Buy a local SIM (Cosmote/Vodafone/Wind) at airport for €15-20 including data and calls.
Getting Around
Athens has metro, bus, taxi. Inter-island by ferry or flight. Rent car on big islands (international license needed). Book peak season ferries early. Use BEAT app for taxis.
Food
Must-try: Gyros, Moussaka, Greek salad, octopus, yogurt with honey. Lunch after 14:00, dinner after 21:00. Tipping not required, €1-2 is appreciated.
Safety
Greece is generally safe. Watch: pickpockets in tourist areas, guard belongings on metro. Emergency: 112. Chinese Embassy: +30-210-6723282.
Top 6 Must-Visit
Acropolis, Athens
UNESCO World Heritage Site, home of the Parthenon. Must-visit #1 in Greece. Go early morning to avoid crowds. Ticket €20.
Santorini
Blue-domed churches, cliffside hotels, world-famous sunset. Oia sunset and Fira town are highlights. Stay 2-3 nights.
Mykonos
Party island + maze-like white town. Little Venice bars and windmill landmark. Great for young travelers and honeymooners.
Meteora
UNESCO: Monasteries built atop massive rock pillars. Stunning natural + religious wonder. ~4 hours by train from Athens.
Crete
Largest Greek island, birthplace of Minoan civilization. Knossos Palace, Elafonissi pink beach, Samaria Gorge. Allow 4-5 days.
Delphi
Ancient Greek 'center of the world', site of Apollo's Oracle. Spectacular valley ruins. Day trip from Athens, ~3 hours drive.
FAQ
What should I prepare for a first trip to Greece?
Essential: Valid passport & Schengen visa, European plug adapter, sunscreen (strong Greek sun), comfortable walking shoes (cobblestone streets & steps), light clothes + light jacket (temperature varies). Recommended: Offline Google Maps, BEAT taxi app, Google Translate. Carry some cash (small shops/taxis may not accept cards).
How much does a week in Greece cost?
Budget: €700-1,000 (hostel/budget hotel, public transport, self-catering + street food). Mid-range: €1,500-2,500 (3-4 star hotel, occasional private car, restaurant meals). Luxury: €3,000-5,000+ (5-star, private car, premium experiences). Per person excluding international flights. Santorini/Mykonos accommodation 50-100% more than Athens.
Can I use Alipay or WeChat Pay in Greece?
Very few stores accept Alipay (mainly big duty-free and some luxury shops). WeChat Pay is almost unusable. Best options: Visa/Mastercard credit cards (most convenient), Euro cash (needed for small shops/taxis). UnionPay works at some ATMs for withdrawal. Exchange some Euros before arriving.
Do Greeks speak English?
English is widely spoken in tourist areas and among younger Greeks. Service industry in Athens, Santorini, Mykonos communicates well in English. Less English in rural areas and among elderly. Chinese is virtually unspoken, so non-English speakers should use a Chinese guide or translation tools. Oulang Travel provides Chinese support anytime.
What do I need to drive in Greece?
Need International Driving Permit (IDP) + Chinese license. Present both when picking up rental car. Minimum age usually 21. Greece drives on the right. Not recommended in Athens city (chaotic traffic + parking difficulties), but great for Crete, Peloponnese. Watch mountain road curves, drive carefully.
Need Help Planning?
Oulang Travel offers free consultation and custom itinerary service