Ferry to Greece

Greek flag
  • Intro
  • The ferries
  • Schedules
  • Island hopping
  • Useful information
  • About

Greece has nearly 200 inhabited islands and both inhabitants and visitors like taking ferries to them because they provide a stunning view of the Aegean Sea. Greek ferries are the primary mode of transportation between the islands. So, take the ferry to Greece and start your vacation!

Booking your ferry tickets to Greece

Ferry tickets to Greece are available for buy online through our booking platform. It is suggested that you purchase your tickets in advance, especially during the high summer months when boats might fill up rapidly.

When ordering your tickets, you must select the departing and arriving ports, as well as the day and time of travel. You may select from three categories of tickets: economy class, business class and VIP class.

Types of ferries

There are several types of ferries that operate in Greece, ranging from small local ferries to larger car ships. The most common types of ferries are:

  1. High-speed ferries are the quickest and most costly, reaching speeds of up to 40 knots. They are great for people who wish to move from one island to another swiftly
  2. Conventional ferries: Although slower and less costly than high-speed ferries, they provide a more relaxing and comfortable voyage. They are great for those who want to appreciate the view and take it slow
  3. Catamarans: These are swift and comfortable boats, excellent for short trips between islands
  4. Hydrofoils are tiny, fast boats that may reach speeds of up to 50 knots. They're great for short trips between islands

Accommodation & amenities on board

Ferries in Greece provide a variety of services and amenities, depending on the type of ship and ticket paid. Common amenities include the following:

  • Most ships offer cafés and restaurants where you may get snacks, beverages and meals
  • Some ferries feature onboard stores that offer souvenirs, food and other products
  • Many boats offer free Wi-Fi to passengers
  • Most ferries include luggage storage rooms where passengers may stow their bags throughout the ride

Boarding the ferry

When you board the ferry, you must provide your ticket and any appropriate identification documents. It is advised that you are present at the port at least 30 minutes before departure to enable time for boarding.

Once on board, you may pick from a variety of sitting options, including indoor and outdoor locations. Some ships also provide accommodations for overnight trips.

Tips for taking a ferry in Greece

  • Greece is a country with an excessive number visitors all year round, but especially during the summer season, therefore we recommend that you e-book your ferry tickets to Greece in advance
  • Check all possible routes and evaluate prices and offers on our online platform before you e-book your tickets
  • We encourage you to be at the port of departure at least 2 hours sooner, especially if you have a vehicle
  • Pack a compact bag with the basics for the travel, including food, drinks and sunscreen
  • Greece has several spectacular sites on its islands. Check out our destination pages in order to find relative information about your holiday spot
  • The most visited islands are Santorini, Mykonos, Paros, Naxos, Amorgos, Milos, Serifos, Crete, Rhodes, Symi, Kalymnos, Karpathos, Samos, Lesvos, Ikaria, Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonissos, Corfu, Ithaca, Zakynthos and Kythera

Important: Ferry tickets are individual ferry tickets bought for a selected path and for personal use. If you're going to tour to more than one Greek island then you should buy a price ticket for each course. Each vacation spot is unique!

Ferries in Greece

Woman on terrace overlooking the caldera in Santorini, Greece

Ferries are a prominent means of transportation in Greece due to the country's numerous islands and coastal locations. There are several ferry companies operating in Greece, with routes linking the mainland to the islands and also between the various islands. Blue Star Ferries, Hellenic Seaways and Anek Lines are among Greece's leading ferry operators.

The frequency and availability of ferries vary depending on the season and route. Ferries are more popular during the peak tourist season (June-August) and advanced reservations may be required. However, during the low season (November to March), certain routes may have limited or no ferry services.

It is important to note that ferry timetables are subject to change due to bad weather conditions. It is advised that you test our booking engine for the most up-to-date schedules and prices.

Greek ferries are generally regarded as safe and trustworthy. However, it is vital to follow safety rules and protocols while on board.

Overall, ferries are a convenient and thrilling method to see the Greek islands and coastlines. Whether you want a picturesque journey or a practical mode of transportation, there are many options to consider.

Ferries in Greece are by far the best alternative, with several ships operating on a regular basis connecting the remarkable Greek islands. This is beneficial to your finances, but it also provides another significant benefit. A boat voyage will provide an unforgettable tour of the breathtaking Aegean Sea. It's also a stress-free way to travel: simply step on the boat, sun yourself on the deck and before you know it, you'll be at your beautiful holiday destination.

So, if you're up for a nautical vacation, why not do some island hopping? Ferries to the islands make this simple and inexpensive and they will allow you to see a variety of magnificent sites throughout your time in Greece. There are islands for everyone – those wishing to escape, those looking to discover the remnants of ancient civilizations and those simply looking to enjoy the beach, sea, tavernas and Greek food while taking advantage of some of the 300 sunny days per year.

Greece is a land of islands, each with its own unique allure and grandeur. From the busy streets of Athens to the serene beaches of Crete, Greece has something for everyone. One of the most enjoyable ways to tour the islands is via ferry, which provides a convenient and inexpensive method to island hop.

Greek ferry schedules

Ferries in Greece follow a regular schedule, with most routes sailing daily during the summer months. The most popular routes connect the Cyclades Islands (Mykonos, Santorini, and Naxos) with the Dodecanese Islands (Rhodes and Kos). There are also frequent ferries between the mainland and the islands, as well as among the islands themselves.

It is critical to verify timetables in advance because schedules might change based on the season and weather conditions.

Here are estimated travel times for Greece's several main ferry destinations:

There are various ferry routes in Greece that connect the mainland to the magnificent islands! The main ports on the mainland are Piraeus, Rafina and Lavrio. Piraeus is the most popular and has the most links to the Cyclades, Dodecanese and Crete, whereas Rafina has less connections and is much smaller. Lavrio connects with Kythnos, Kea, Limnos and some of the Cyclades, such as Milos, Kimolos, Syros and Naxos. Furthermore, the ports of Volos and Agios Konstantinos connect the mainland to the Sporades Islands, while Kyllini, Igoumenitsa and Patras connect the mainland to the Ionian Islands.

The links connecting the Greek islands are many and the majority of them are created throughout the year. The frequency of the routes varies depending on the season, with a specific rise during peak months, as well as the kind of ferry, as connections made exclusively by high-speed vessels are not carried out during the winter months for safety reasons!

International ferry connections to Greece

Ferry travel to Greece is feasible from Italy, Turkey and Albania, but there are other alternatives and departures inside Greece, both between its islands and mainland. There are numerous combinations of different places in a country with over 107 inhabited islands strewn over the Greek seas!

Greece is a year-round favorite due to its moderate temperature, but its popularity skyrockets between May and September due to its distinct islands, lovely sea and Mediterranean sun! We recommend that you buy your tickets well in advance to secure the greatest rates and availability on your favorite itineraries!

International ferry connections to Greece are from Italy to the mainland and Turkey and Albania only to certain Greek islands. More specifically:

Greece island hopping

Want to learn about the Greek islands? The Aegean islands are a magnificent place to visit that will leave an impression on you. The Cyclades, the Dodecanese, Crete, the Sporades and the North Aegean Islands all provide remarkable experiences. Place your map and begin on a voyage of breathtaking grandeur; create your own Greece island hopping adventure and experience it!

For those seeking a sophisticated ecology and a high-end lifestyle, Santorini and Mykonos are the Cyclades destinations to visit. Both provide scenic beaches, beautiful vistas, sophisticated nightlife and VIP service. With direct ferry connections, these two locations are easily combined into a single visit.

Syros and Naxos are the center of the Greek Islands in the Aegean Sea. Begin your journey at Syros and continue on to Tinos, Mykonos, Santorini and Anafi. Or start in Naxos and travel to Paros, Santorini, Amorgos, Ios and Folegandros.

The Sporades Islands (Skiathos, Skopelos, and Alonissos) are a popular holiday destination in the Aegean, boasting world-famous beaches that are both isolated and well-maintained.

Between Greece and the shores of Asia Minor, in the northeast section of the Aegean Sea, five main islands (Ikaria, Samos, Limnos, Lesvos and Chios) and a slew of smaller islands (Agios Efstratios, Thymena, Fourni, Psara and others) provide excellent excursion and visit opportunities.

Visit Crete with itineraries that begin in Athens and include the Cyclades and Dodecanese islands such as Ios, Santorini, Paros, Naxos, Mykonos, Amorgos, Milos, Kythera, Karpathos, Rhodes and Kos.

With so much information at your disposal, it is up to you to design your own Odyssey and witness the brilliant treasures that adorn the Aegean firsthand. Enjoy the holidays of your life on the Greek Islands by ferry!

Useful information for your journey to Greece

In case of need you can use the following useful phone numbers during your stay in Greece:

Ambulance service/Medical emergency: 166
Police: 100
Tourist police: 171 & 1571
General telephone information: 11888
Piraeus port authority: + 30 210455 0100
Rafina port authority: +30 2294321200 - 201
Patras port authority: +30 2613615400
Igoumenitsa port authority: + 30 266 509 9300
Corfu port authority: +30 26610 45551
Ktel Kifisou Public Transport | Athens: +302105246805
Ktel Thessalonikis Public Transport: +30 2310 510835
Fire Service: 199
Coast Guard: 108

Sightseeing in Greece

Greece is located in the southeast of Europe and is surrounded by Bulgaria, Albania and Turkey! It is connected by sea with the Aegean Sea to the east, the Ionian Sea to the west and the Mediterranean Sea to the south!

Greece's renown stems mostly from its exact islands, which are well-known all over the world, including the Cyclades, Dodecanese, Sporades, Ionian Islands (Eptanisa) and Crete.

Furthermore, Greece's history, dating back to antiquity, with its numerous landmarks, its weather with the brightest sun and the most beautiful oceans in the world and its Mediterranean cuisine, which is appreciated all over the world, is practically a plus over other nations! The relationship with Greece extends to the neighboring countries of Italy, Turkey and Albania!

Greece has attracted travelers for decades. Greece is one of the world's most popular tourist destinations, due to its rich history, breathtaking beauty and vibrant culture. From Athens' historic ruins to the scenic Aegean Sea islands, Greece has something for everyone.

Athens, Greece's capital city, is a must-see destination for anybody interested in history and architecture. The city boasts world-renowned landmarks including the Acropolis, Parthenon and Temple of Olympian Zeus. But Athens represents much than just history. The city is also colorful, with a thriving nightlife, world-class museums and wonderful food. Visitors may meander through the vibrant streets of Plaka, the city's oldest quarter, and eat classic Greek dishes like moussaka and souvlaki at one of the many tavernas.

In addition to Athens, Greece boasts some of the world's most gorgeous islands. The Cyclades, a group of islands in the Aegean Sea, are especially popular with visitors. Santorini, with its distinctive white-washed homes and stunning sunsets, is undoubtedly the best-known of these islands. Mykonos, known for its active nightlife and stunning beaches, is another popular holiday destination.

But Greece has much more to offer than its islands. Several historic sites may be found in the Peloponnese peninsula in southern Greece, most notably the medieval city of Olympia, which is where the Olympic Games began. Visitors may also discover the medieval town of Mystras and the beautiful Diros Caves.

No vacation to Greece is complete without sampling some of the amazing foods. Greek food is known for its clean ingredients and powerful flavors. Visitors may sample traditional dishes including spanakopita (spinach pie), tzatziki (yogurt and cucumber dip) and dolmades (stuffed grape leaves). Of course, no Greek meal is complete without a pitcher of ouzo, a famous anise-flavored liqueur.

In addition to its history, magnificence, and delicacy, Greece is well-known for its kind hospitality. Greeks are well-known for being friendly and appealing to tourists. Whether you stay in a little village or a large town, you will be met with a smile and a warm welcome.

Greece should be on every tourist's bucket list. With its rich history, stunning scenery, delectable cuisine and kind hospitality, it is a rustic that has something for everyone. Whether you're interested in visiting ancient ruins or resting on a beautiful beach, Greece will leave you with amazing memories.

Below, we will show the most important landmarks from all throughout Greece, as well as accommodation alternatives that have received excellent evaluations from visitors!

Archaeological sites

The Acropolis is Athens' most renowned and outstanding monument! The historical Acropolis is located on the top of a hill in Athens and has ancient remains of significant architectural and historical value, including the Temple of Erechtheion, the entrance to the Propylaea and the Temple of Athena Nike. The Parthenon, a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena, is the most famous edifice on top of the Acropolis!

The Parthenon (Athens) is Greece's most important Doric temple, built on the highest point of the Acropolis and completed in 15 years.

Ancient Mycenae (Mycenae, Crete): Located on top of a hill between towering mountains, it was formerly the realm of Agamemnon, the legendary monarch who controlled the Greeks during the Trojan War.

Mystras (Laconia): Became a Byzantine capital and walled city, situated on a steep slope covered with olive and orange trees. It is regarded as the most amazing group of medieval remains in Greece.

The Palace of Knossos (Crete) is a remarkable historical landmark in Crete, the noteworthy capital of Minoan Crete, located 5 kilometers south of the town of Heraklion. The remains are impressive and the setting includes a large palace, courtyards, private houses, baths and colorful murals.

Phaestos (Crete): Became the second most significant Minoan palace-town after Knossos, with less frescoes and a spectacular perspective of Messara's plain and Crete's greatest point, Mount Psiloritis!

Sanctuary of Apollo (Delphi): Placed in the center of Ancient Delphi, on the hillside and is the spot frequented by pilgrims to pay attention to the prophesies of the god Apollo, which have been expressed by the oracle selected with the assistance of (a girl from the place).

Ancient Delos (Delos): A UNESCO World Heritage Site! It is an ancient city in Delos that served as both a refuge and a booming industrial area. Access to Delos may be quite easy from the island of Mykonos.

Kerameikos (Athens): Discovered in 1861 during the building of Pireos Street. It was previously situated on the clay-rich banks of the Iridanos River. It acquired its name from the potters and was used as a cemetery in the sixth century A.D. It features multiple marble columns etched with gleaming photos.

Ancient Agora (Athens): The Agora became the core of ancient Athens, where Socrates taught his philosophy! On the site of the old market lies the towering Temple of Hephaestus, a spectacular museum and the 11th century Byzantine Church of the Holy Apostles, ornamented with brick decorations that mirror Arabic calligraphy.

Temple of Olympian Zeus (Athens): Placed in the center of Athens, it is a brilliant temple that had 104 Corinthian columns (17 meters high with a base diameter of 1.7 meters), yet only 15 remain.

Odeon of Herodes Atticus (Athens) was built in 161 AD by the wealthy Roman Herod Atticus in remembrance of his wife Regilla. For many decades, the theater has been the setting for a number of the most important theatrical, musical and dance acts throughout the summer season, thanks to its exceptional acoustics.

Panathenaic Stadium (Athens): The only stadium in the world built entirely of marble, it has a rich history and is one of the most prominent tourist sites in Athens. In 1896, it hosted the first modern Olympic Games.

The Theatre of Epidaurus (Epidaurus): Built around the end of the fourth century BC, it is one of the most important and well-preserved ancient Greek structures in existence. It can hold up to 14,000 people and is known for its excellent acoustics. Today, it is utilized for performances throughout the annual Athens and Epidaurus Festival.

Temple of Poseidon (Cape Sounion): Located in the southernmost point of Attica, near the extremity of the peninsula of Sounion and built entirely of white marble in the middle of the 5th century BC in honor of Poseidon, the god of the ocean. It is a gap with a wonderful view of the Aegean Sea, which is why hundreds of Athenians come here to watch the sunset and the full moon.

Ancient Thira (Santorini): The Dorians helped turn it into a community in the 9th century BC and it now has Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine remains, as well as temples, mosaic dwellings, a marketplace, a theater and a gymnasium. It is worth a visit for both its archeological significance and its breathtaking views.

Ancient Messini (Messinia): Is a massive ancient town set on a mountainside with remains under excavation! It has a large theater, a marketplace, a colossal Sanctuary of Asclepius and one of the most magnificent old Greek stadiums.

Ancient Nemea (Peloponnese): An enormous Doric-style temple from the fourth century BC. And the site of the ancient Nemean Games, conducted in honor of Zeus. Three distinctive columns are now intact and the well-known local museum displays a wealth of finds from the site.

The archaeological site of Dodoni (Ioannina - Epirus) is located 22 kilometers south of Ioannina in Epirus! The remains date back to the ancient period.

Philippi Archaeological Site (Macedonia): It is located near Kavala and has one of the most extensive histories of any ancient Greek ruin, playing an important part in Macedonian, Roman and early Christian history. It relocated to the several World Heritage Sites of Greece designated by UNESCO in 2016.

Museums

The Museum of Cycladic Art houses nearly 3,000 artifacts of Cycladic, medieval Greek, and Cypriot art, which are displayed on four floors in the Museum's galleries, creating a living cultural environment in Athens.

The Acropolis Museum is a fantastic, contemporary museum that has over 3000 notable antiquities from the Acropolis site, dating back to prehistoric periods and ending with Antiquity.

The National Library of Greece (Athens) is a modern facility with over a million volumes and journals, as well as a vast collection of manuscript codices dating from the ninth to the nineteenth centuries.

National Historical Museum (Syntagma - Athens): Served as the ancient parliament from 1875 to 1935 and is especially important since it shows cutting-edge Greek records, particularly during the war period, and serves as the inspiration for the modern Greek country.

Benaki Museum at 138 Pireos St (Athens): A home founded and given in 1930 by Antonis Benakis in the heart of Athens. The museum focuses on Greek life throughout the country's histories and houses over 100,000 artifacts from Greek history, highlighting the various ages, cultures and civilizations that influenced Greece's development. In addition to Greek art from prehistoric to present times, there is also a considerable collection of Asian art. The museum hosts frequent exhibitions and maintains a latest conservation and healing workshop.

The Heraklion Archaeological Museum (Crete) is one of Greece's and Europe's most spectacular museums. It houses a rare collection of Minoan art treasures, which is why it is often regarded as the museum par excellence of Minoan living.

Delphi Archaeological Museum: Explains the history of the well-known Delphic sanctuary and the most important oracle of the ancient Greek world. It has an important collection of some of the most significant pieces of historic Greek art, spanning the period from the second millennium BC, before the founding of the Sanctuary, until Late Antiquity.

The Museum of Marble Crafts (Tinos - Cyclades) is located in the village of Pyrgos on the island of Tinos and houses an excellent collection of genuine gadgets, including secular, ecclesiastical, funerary and ordinary objects made of marble, a material that has a special place in the architecture and art of Greece and Tinos, from antiquity to the present.

The Natural History Museum of Apiranthos (Naxos) is located in the hamlet of Apeiranthos on the island of Naxos and houses an outstanding collection of specimens from the local fauna and plant life. It houses an aquarium, an outstanding collection of shells, dolphin skeletons, bones and a bellows cranium, as well as an exceptionally large collection of floral species.

The Archaeological Museum (Thessaloniki) is undoubtedly one of Greece's largest museums, as well as the most important museum in northern Greece. It has a vast collection of historical objects from Thessaloniki's rich ancient Greek, Roman and Byzantine records, including stunning examples of Roman architecture, unusual colored mosaics, sculptures and jewelry from the Greek classical and Hellenistic periods.

The Historical Archives Museum of Hydra (Hydra) was founded in 1918 and is situated in a magnificent stone palace. It has historical educational, administrative, and religious records, manuscripts from the Greek Revolution, vintage books, maps and more. Relics from the Balkan and World Wars, as well as traditional costumes, sculptures, nautical instruments and artwork, are on display in the museum.

The Museum of El Greco (Heraklion/Fodele - Crete) is located in the village of Fodele, 10 minutes from the city of Heraklion, Crete and is where one of the most important painters, the genius of the Spanish Mannerist school, Dominikos Theotokopoulos, was born and spent his childhood.

Other sites & activities

Parliament (Athens): From 1875 until 1935, the Greek Parliament met in the Old Parliament House on Stadiou Street in Athens. It presently houses the country's National Historical Museum.

Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center: A key cultural institution and one of the world's most prominent private organizations. There is free access for anyone who want to engage in a variety of cultural, intellectual, sporting and recreational events! It comprises the National Opera House, the National Library of Greece, and Stavros Niarchos Park, which is one of Athens' largest green spaces, covering 21 hectares.

Attica Zoological Park (Spata - Attica): A non-public and the most accessible zoo in Greece, located in the neighborhood of Spata, some 20 kilometers east of Athens. The zoo, which covers 20 hectares, is home to around 1,500 animals representing 220 species.

Hiking Vikos Gorge: Located in the North Pindos mountain range of Epirus, known as Zagori and home to forty-four communities known as Zagorochoria.

Spinalonga Island (Crete) is a small barren island with a lengthy history as one of Europe's last active leper colonies, operating from 1903 until 1957.It is located in the herbal port of Elounda, in the prefecture of Lassithi on Crete.

Akrotiri prehistoric metropolis (Santorini) is one of the most important sites in the Aegean. A bioclimatic roof covers the archeological remains and passageways extend above them, allowing visitors to roam among the two and three-story dwellings. It was a Minoan port town that became blanketed in ash as a result of the island's volcanic eruption.

Valley of the Butterflies (Rhodes): Located on the western side of the island of Rhodes, it is one of the island's most picturesque spots. It is home to hundreds of thousands of butterflies, who gently rest inside the trees in lakes and little waterfalls.

National Marine Park of Alonissos Northern Sporades (Alonissos): In 2003, the first marine park was established in Greece, and it is now Europe's largest marine protected area.

Liston (Corfu town): One of the most important and well-known locations on the island of Corfu, paved with magnificent architectural and function arches that make it one of the most important places of attraction. It serves as the primary entry to Corfu's iconic thin canyons in Old Town.

Dikteon Cave (Lasithi, Crete): Located 1025 meters above sea level. Visitors may appreciate the cave by following a stairway that leads down to the cave's interior, which is lit beautifully and evocatively.

Windmills (Mykonos - Cyclades): They are the symbol of the island of Mykonos and can be seen from the port since they are located on a small hill near the island's Chora. There are sixteen in all and they were erected by the Venetians in the sixteenth century.

Little Venice (Mykonos - Cyclades): One of Mykonos' most charming spots, featuring first-rate antique traditional white residences on the seafront.

Lighthouse (Chania - Crete): Located near the entrance to Chania's ancient harbor, it was built by the Venetians in 1864 and has been listed as an archaeological site in Greece since 1962.

Lesvos Petrified Woodland (Lesvos): Created 20 million years ago, this is one of Greece's most beautiful geological monuments. There are petrified pieces of wood, huge and little, colorful and standing or lying on the globe, forming a completely unique introduction of nature.

Beaches in Greece

Porto Katsiki Beach (Lefkada): One of Greece's best beaches and the most photographed in magazines, with blue waves and white sand flanked by enormous cliffs covered with luxuriant flowers.

Elafonisi Beach (Chania/Crete): One of Crete's best beaches, with pure blue seas, pink sand and a distinctive scenery.

Balos Beach (Chania/Crete): Located roughly 56 kilometers northwest of Chania, it is undoubtedly the most photographed beach in Crete, with blue waves, shallow waters, and natural beauty.

Plaka Beach (Naxos): One of Naxos' most popular beaches and a favored spot for nudists, with long and wide white sand and blue water.

Super Paradise (Mykonos): One of the world's most famous beaches, with pure, crystal-clear waters, sandy and nicely organized.

Seychelles Beach (Ikaria): A gorgeous beach in Ikaria with pebbles nestled amid rocks, creating a completely distinct landscape. A large cave may be seen on a little beach near the main beach.

Tsigrado Beach (Milos): This beach is located at the bottom of a bay surrounded by extremely steep cliffs and rocks. Its uniqueness stems not only from its beautiful turquoise waters, but also from the authentic way you can get there: at the top of the cliff, there may be a rope connected to a staircase that leads to the beach, and you must hold the rope tightly and begin descending cautiously.

Paleokastritsa Beach (Corfu): One of Corfu's most popular beaches, located near the Byzantine Castle of Paleokastritsa.The waters are beautifully clear, but quite chilly.

Simos Beach-Elafonissos (Peloponnese): Simos Beach is the island of Elafonisos' signature beauty, with crystal clear waters and herbaceous dunes that reach up to 10 meters high.

Mylopotas Beach (Ios): Located in a bay near Ios' city, this beach has golden sand and crystal blue waves, and it is the island's most popular beach.

Sarakiniko Beach (Milos) is one of Greece's most publicized beaches owing to its unique lunar white chalk look!

Navagio Beach (Zakynthos): A cove with a shipwreck in the beach. The beach boasts clear blue waves and a very wonderful view.

Myrtos Beach (Kefalonia): A world-famous beach that is regarded as one of the most beautiful in Greece, with breathtaking natural beauty surrounded by lush hills.

Agios Prokopios Beach (Naxos): Located around 4 kilometers from the port of Naxos, it features thick sand that leads to sand dunes with crystal blue waters and has received the highest accolades in Greece and abroad.

Platys Gialos (Mykonos) is a well-kept sandy beach with sports including starfishing, windsurfing, and parasailing in the Aegean. There are also seafood cafés and restaurants nearby.

Golden Beach (Thassos) is a sandy organized coastline with highly clean waters, hence it gets a blue flag.

Glyfada Beach (Corfu) is one of Corfu's most beautiful beaches, complete with sand and beach bars. It may be rather easy to get from Corfu's ancient town.

Kolymbithres Beach (Paros): One of the most famous in Paros, with shallow waves and a unique seashore known as Kolimbithres that overlooks the harbor of Naoussa. It is not a single beach, but numerous little sandy beaches isolated from one other among large granite boulders that build a pool-like depression.

Panormos Beach (Skopelos): A large, protected harbor with a pebbly beach and crystal-clear waves, as well as an organized beach.

Mikri Vigla (Naxos): Located in the southwestern section of Naxos, it features two unique seashores separated by a series of rocks! The well-known north wind makes it ideal for diving as well as windsurfing and kitesurfing.

Faliraki Beach (Rhodes): Rhodes' most famous and well-prepared beach, measuring 5 kilometers in width. There may be pubs, nightclubs and restaurants on the beach, as well as water sports available.

Potami Beach (Samos) is a long, unusually beautiful beach with pebbles and crystal blue waves on Samos' northeast coast. It is equipped with umbrellas, sunbeds and a seaside bar.

Agali Beach (Folegandros): A sandy seaside placed approximately 4 km away from the main town of the island. Ideal for families.

Greek cuisine & gastronomy

It's no accident that the word "gastronomy" is Greek! The origins of Greek delicacies can be traced back to antiquity and it is undeniably a draw for tourists visiting Greece, since it is well-known for its delectable items cultivated in truly wonderful Mediterranean climate! The superb virgin Greek olive oil, which is considered international, makes most Greek foods nutritious and tasty, as does the abundance of herbs, spices and seasonings!

In recent years, younger chefs have added new aspects to their recipes, giving them a more international and cosmopolitan flavor! However, the principle of Greek food remains unchanged, with the combination of sparkling seasonal vegetables, the right seasonings and fresh olive oil to create a tasty boost and high nutritious value!

Famous Greek delicacies:

Moussaka is a typical Greek dish made with roasted or fried eggplants (aubergines), potatoes and a rich, tomatoey sauce of minced beef or lamb, topped with a wonderfully creamy bechamel sauce.

Fava: A pulp or puree with a texture similar to hummus, prepared with dry fava beans, onions and a generous amount of extra virgin olive oil. The most well-known comes from the island of Santorini.

Greek Salad: The most popular salad in Greek cuisine, made with tomato, cucumber, onion, feta, olives, oregano and clean olive oil.

Taramosalata is a snack made with taramas, salted cod fish mixed with olive oil, lemon juice and a starchy basis of bread or potatoes. Garlic, onions and vinegar may occasionally be present.

Gigantes: Large beans roasted in tomato sauce with lots of sparkling herbs and orange.

Greek pies: There are several pies that vary with each region of Greece and are a common traditional meal in every part of Greece.

Pastichio: A deep layer of large tubular pasta, minced meat and a rich béchamel sauce.

Spetsofai is a rustic spicy Greek meal made with thick sausages and peppers in a rich tomato sauce. There are other variations, like this one from the Pelion region using eggplant, while in most regions it is made with green or colorful mild peppers, or heated peppers.

Souvlaki is perhaps the most renowned Greek dish! It's any type of meat (red or chicken) wrapped in a pie with tzatziki, tomato, potato and sauce.

Gemista: Vegetables (tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, aubergines, pumpkins) cooked in rice and tomato sauce with spices and occasionally minced pig or beef.

Loukoumades: Small fluffy sweet balls with honey (the Greek version of doughnuts) cooked in a deep pan till golden and crispy. They're served with honey and a sprinkling of cinnamon.

Dolmadakia are vine leaves filled with grains and herbs. They can also be stuffed with minced meat, rice and seasonings.

Kleftiko: A rustic, conventional Greek recipe and in Greek which means "stolen". It is made with slow-cooked lamb, that is first marinated in garlic, olive oil and lemon juice.

Tzatziki is a dip made with salty strained or diluted yogurt blended with cucumbers, garlic, salt, olive oil, vinegar or lemon juice, and herbs such as dill, mint, parsley and thyme.

Soutzoukakia: Cumin is the key ingredient here. Cumin is a highly aromatic spice that imparts a distinct taste to the meat. Traditionally, soutzoukakia are cooked with minced pig or a combination of minced red meat and beef.

Hotels in Greece

There are so many gorgeous hotels in Greece that it would take several pages to list them all. There are outstanding luxury hotels in Athens and throughout the Greek islands, hotel complexes with numerous amenities, elegant boutique hotels, Rbnp residences, and low-cost hotels. Below, we will provide you with an illustrative list of several hotels that cover all the aforementioned lodging categories:

Luxury hotels in Greek Islands:

  • MarBella Nido Suite Hotel & Villas (Corfu)
  • Casa Delfino Hotel & Spa (Chania/Crete)
  • Elounda Gulf Villas (Elounda/Crete)
  • St.Nicolas Bay Resort Hotel & Villas (Crete)
  • Mykonos Grand Hotel & Resort (Mykonos)
  • Boheme Hotel (Mykonos)
  • Mykonos Ammos Hotel (Mykonos)
  • De.Light Boutique Hotel (Mykonos)
  • Cavo Tagoo (Mykonos)
  • Naxian Collection (Naxos)
  • Summer Senses Luxury Resort (Paros)
  • Santorini Secret Suites & Spa (Santorini)
  • Canaves Oia Suites (Santorini)
  • Cosmopolitan Suites(Santorini)
  • Rocabella Hotel (Santorini)
  • Andronis Hotel (Santorini)
  • Cavo Tagoo (Santorini)
  • Lindos Blu (Rhodes)
  • White Coast Pool Suites (Milos)
  • Aristide Hotel (Syros)
  • Porto Zante Villas & Spa (Zakynthos)
  • The Petra (Patmos)
  • Aqua Blu Boutique Hotel & Spa (Kos)

More affordable choices:

  • Golden Beach (Paros)
  • Mr.& Mrs.White (Paros)
  • Aelia by Eltheon (Santorini)
  • Astra Suites (Santorini)
  • Labranda Kiotari Miraluna Hotel (Rhodes)
  • Lindos Sun (Rhodes)
  • Castelli (Zakynthos)
  • Allure Wellness Retreat (Lefkada)
  • Skiathos Avaton Hotel (Skiathos)
  • MarBella Corfu (Corfu)

Luxury hotels in Athens:

  • Theoxenia Palace Hotel
  • The Margi 
  • Grande Bretagne
  • St. Lycabettus
  • Intercontinental

Luxury hotels in Mainland:

  • The Excelsior (Thessaloniki)
  • Hyatt Regency (Thessaloniki)
  • Makedonia Palace (Thessaloniki)
  • Electra Palace (Thessaloniki)

Best resorts in Greece:

  • Divani Apollon Palace & Thalasso (Athens)
  • Corfu Holiday Palace (Corfu)
  • Myconian Utopia Relais & Chateaux (Mykonos)
  • Myconian Imperial (Mykonos)
  • Katikies (Mykonos)
  • Creta Maris Resort (Hersonissos /Crete)
  • Blue Palace Elounda (Elounda/Crete)
  • Epirus Palace Congress & Spa (Ioannina/North Greece)
  • Andronis Concept Wellness Resort (Santorini)
  • Elea Resort - only for adults (Santorini)
  • Costa Grand Resort & Spa (Santorini)
  • Grace Hotel, Auberge Resorts Collection (Santorini)
  • Marpunta Resort (Alonissos/Sporades)
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