Here we give you some tips to prepare your trip to Greece. In this article, we would like to mention some of our partners, whose services we have tested and appreciated.
Moreover, we regularly use these partners on a personal basis for our stays in Greece. By going through our website to book, you don’t pay more and you give us a helping hand to cover our costs (maintenance and hosting of the website in particular). This allows us to continue to exist.
1. Find the right time and destination for your trip to Greece
Greece is a popular destination because it has many interests: close, with a mild weather, a diversity of very preserved landscapes (sea and mountain) and a strong cultural heritage.
You can visit Greece almost all year round. In the summer, we will certainly enjoy its islands . Spring and autumn are also fantastic for exploring the countryside, ancient sites and cities. Even in winter, you can enjoy a city break in Athens and enjoy the museums and cultural life of the capital. And even skiing in Greece!
In addition, Greece has many facets:
- urban with Athens : ideal for a 3 or 4-day city break
- Idyllic with its islands that are so different from each other.
- Wild with a very preserved nature that you can find on the Greek mainland and some islands.
- Historical with absolutely exceptional sites. Our favorites: Meteora, Acropolis, Epidaurus, Nafplio and Monemvasia.
If you are looking for inspiration, we give you plenty of ideas in our article The best destinations for a trip to Greece.
Our advice: Have fun browsing the site for inspiration, particularly the articles on Choosing your island, A week in the Peloponnese or Visiting Athens in 2 days or more.
2. Book your transportation for your trip to Greece
Airplane
There are several airlines that fly to Greece from France.
- You will find many connections by Aegean, Greece’s national airline. It serves the islands and most European capitals. Prices are often attractive and the service is very good.
- AirFrance is obviously a must for those who travel from France. New lines have opened from the Province, some only from May to October. They are very practical.
- Finally, some low cost companies also offer flights. And in high season the most important islands are also served by charter flights.
Ferry
If you want to spend a vacation in Greece, it is very important to check the possible crossings before booking your accommodation. Indeed, some islands are not very accessible. And the inter-island connections are sometimes complex. It is therefore better to choose islands close to each other if you are planning an itinerant trip. Boat reservations are usually open between 3 and 6 months before your departure. We give you more advice on our article: How to book your ferry ?
Our advice: Check the website Greek Travel Pages the existing connections then book by Ferry Hopper . This online booking platform is serious and lists a good number of shipping companies. Reservations and payment are made online and it’s not more expensive than at the port! And if you have complicated routes, contact the agency Leonidakos Travel and Tours who can make reservations for you and give you good advice.
Car
It is often indispensable for families on a trip to Greece. But the vehicles are taken by storm in the summer. It is therefore necessary to book well in advance. There are many rental companies in Athens and on the islands. If you are leaving from Athens airport, it is sometimes as easy to rent a car at the airport. This way you can go to the port and then take the car on the boat and optimize the transfers and avoid wasting time.
Our advice: We like to go through Rental Cars which compares prices and ensures low prices. The comparator refers both international players and local players, often less expensive.
And if you only need a simple transfer (for example from Athens airport to Piraeus port), then we advise you to book with Welcome PickUps a really serious Greek start-up that offers an excellent service. The driver will be waiting for you in the airport with a sign with your name on it, you will have received his photo beforehand to recognize him easily, he will help you carry your luggage and will take you directly to your destination.
3. Choosing your accommodation
As far as accommodation is concerned, the offer in Greece is quite vast.
- On the islands, you will find on Booking mainly small hotels (studios or rooms), often run by families. On our articles dedicated to the islands you will also find some addresses that we ourselves have appreciated.
- In Athens, you will also find rentals by individuals who leave the capital during the summer. As with any major city, rentals on Booking go from From the big hotel complex to the small boutique hotel, without forgetting the youth hostel. We suggest you discover the neighborhoods and our recommendations in our article Where to sleep in Athens.
Our advice : Booking is a good way to get an idea and to book in a simple and worry-free way. However, be careful with the notations. They are generous, prefer notes above 9. Call prices are sometimes misleading, beware of hidden costs (service, cleaning…).
4. Organize the visits of your vacations in Greece
If you come to Athens, you may want to visit the must-see places or go off the beaten track. You can also discover our favorite itineraries and addresses compiled in our guide.
Classic guided tours: The must-see places in Athens take on a whole new dimension with a guide. Individually or in small groups, nothing beats the explanation of a guide to bring the old stones to life and understand the richness of Greek culture. We suggest you some guides that we particularly appreciate in this article .
For the children, we highly recommend the two treasure hunts :
We wish you an excellent trip to Greece !
Laure and Sophie
