Last updated: September 2026
Greece holidays rank among the most rewarding in the world for UK travellers. Ancient history, crystal-clear seas, white-washed island villages and genuine Mediterranean warmth come together in a destination that never disappoints. Whether you are visiting for the first time or returning for the tenth, Greece holidays always deliver something memorable.
Greece suits every type of traveller equally well. Families find safe, shallow beaches and affordable taverna culture. Couples find romance in clifftop Santorini sunsets and Venetian old towns. Culture seekers find 3,000 years of civilisation to explore. Greece holidays are consistently among the best value in the Mediterranean, with direct flights from UK regional airports to most major island destinations.
Athens is one of the great cities of the world and an unmissable part of any Greece holiday that includes the mainland. The Acropolis dominates the skyline, crowned by the Parthenon — completed in 432 BC and still one of the most perfectly proportioned buildings ever constructed. The Acropolis Museum at its base houses extraordinary friezes and sculptures that bring the ancient site fully to life.
The Plaka neighbourhood winds through the old city below the Acropolis. Its narrow streets are lined with tavernas, neoclassical mansions and bougainvillea-draped walls. The Monastiraki flea market nearby is ideal for browsing local crafts and souvenirs. Greece holidays that include a night or two in Athens are invariably richer for it.
Beyond the ancient sites, Athens offers an excellent contemporary food scene and rooftop bars with Acropolis views. The National Archaeological Museum is world-class. Greece holidays centred on the mainland capital alone can easily fill a week of rewarding exploration.
The Ionian islands sit off Greece’s western coast and are characterised by lush green landscapes and Venetian-influenced architecture. Corfu is the most visited — its UNESCO-listed old town is one of the finest in the Mediterranean. The beaches range from the dramatic coves of Paleokastritsa to the long sandy strands of the north coast, making Corfu Greece holidays among the best on the island group.
Zante is famous for Shipwreck Beach (Navagio) — accessible only by boat — and the nesting loggerhead sea turtles that come ashore each summer at Laganas Bay. The island also has lively resort nightlife and beautiful sandy beaches. Greece holidays in the Ionian are greener, cooler and wetter than the Aegean — a lush alternative to the more arid eastern islands.
Kefalonia offers a grander, more rugged landscape. The dramatic cliffs of Myrtos Beach and the Melissani underground lake are among the most spectacular sights in Greece. Lefkada has Porto Katsiki — one of the most beautiful beaches in all of Europe. Greece holidays on the Ionian islands consistently earn exceptional ratings from returning UK visitors.
The Cyclades are Greece’s most visually iconic island group. Dazzling white cubic architecture, blue-domed churches and deep blue Aegean water define the group. Santorini sits atop the rim of an ancient volcanic caldera, and the views from Oia across the flooded crater are among the most extraordinary panoramas in all of Europe.
Mykonos offers a cosmopolitan, stylish atmosphere completely different from volcanic Santorini. World-class beach clubs, excellent restaurants and a celebrated nightlife scene attract a sophisticated international crowd. Greece holidays on the Cyclades are typically more expensive than other island groups — but the scenery justifies the premium.
Beyond the famous duo, Naxos is the largest island with fertile valleys, medieval Venetian towers and excellent long sandy beaches. Paros combines a pretty harbour town with excellent windsurfing. Tiny Delos — uninhabited and reached by boat from Mykonos — is one of the most important archaeological sites in the entire Aegean. Greece holidays here appeal strongly to culture and history lovers.
The Dodecanese islands stretch along the Turkish Aegean coast and combine spectacular medieval architecture with excellent beaches and reliable summer sunshine. Rhodes is the flagship — its medieval walled city, built by the Knights Hospitaller in the 14th century, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved fortified cities in Europe. Greece holidays in Rhodes consistently include a walk along the Street of Knights as an absolute highlight.
Kos is a flatter, more family-friendly island with excellent cycling infrastructure. A lively waterfront town and good sandy beaches at Tigaki and Mastichari make it a popular Greece holidays choice for families. Day trips to the Turkish city of Bodrum (45 minutes by ferry) are popular and easily arranged.
Smaller Dodecanese islands — Patmos, Kalymnos, Symi and Halki — offer a more tranquil alternative for visitors seeking something away from the main resort circuit. Greece holidays on these quieter islands are increasingly sought after by travellers who have already visited the main destinations.
Crete stands apart from all other Greece holidays destinations in scale, diversity and historical depth. At 260 kilometres from east to west, it encompasses mountain ranges, dramatic gorges and a coastline that varies from busy resort beaches to remote wild bays accessible only by boat. The Minoan Palace of Knossos, just outside Heraklion, is the most extensive Bronze Age site in the Aegean.
Chania is widely considered Crete’s most beautiful town. A Venetian harbour, Ottoman minarets and an old town of superb restaurants make it one of the finest bases in all of Greece. The Samaria Gorge, 18 kilometres long, is one of Europe’s great walks. Greece holidays in Crete genuinely reward visitors who explore beyond the resort beaches into the extraordinary interior.
Greek food is one of the enduring pleasures of any Greece holiday. Dining out is relaxed and social — mezze dishes arrive in succession at a good taverna, and a meal can extend happily over several hours. Taramasalata, tzatziki, crispy spanakopita, stuffed dolmades and saganaki all feature on the typical mezze spread.
Fresh grilled fish and seafood — sea bream, red mullet, octopus, calamari — are superb in coastal tavernas and priced very reasonably compared to equivalent quality elsewhere in Europe. Local cheeses, particularly feta, graviera and manouri, are outstanding. Greece holidays are rarely complete without a traditional moussaka and a glass of chilled local white wine.
Greek wine has improved dramatically in recent decades, with excellent varieties from Santorini, Nemea and Naoussa now finding international recognition. Local ouzo and tsipouro are the traditional spirits — enjoyed over ice with water, which turns them milky white. Greece holidays for food lovers are consistently rewarding at every budget level.
Greece is the cradle of Western civilisation and its ancient heritage is unrivalled in Europe. Delphi, once considered the centre of the ancient world, sits dramatically on the slopes of Mount Parnassus. Olympia in the Peloponnese hosted the original Olympic Games from 776 BC — the stadium and temples are remarkably well preserved.
On the islands, Crete’s Palace of Knossos represents the earliest advanced European civilisation. Rhodes was home to the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Tiny Delos — reached by boat from Mykonos — is one of the most important religious sites of the ancient Aegean. Greece holidays that include an ancient site visit consistently rate it among the most memorable experiences of the trip.
Greece enjoys a classic Mediterranean climate — hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters. The main Greece holidays season runs from May to October. July and August are the hottest months, with temperatures regularly exceeding 30 °C on the islands.
May, June and September are the ideal months for most Greece holidays. Warm enough for swimming and beach use, with fewer crowds, lower prices and restaurants at their most relaxed. October is still pleasant for sightseeing and mild enough for swimming on the southern islands.
The Ionian islands tend to be greener and slightly wetter than the Aegean islands due to their western position. The Meltemi wind in July and August on the Aegean keeps temperatures bearable but can affect ferry crossings and watersports. Greece holidays in shoulder season genuinely outperform summer for overall value and experience.
Athens International Airport (ATH) is the main hub, with direct flights from London taking approximately 3.5 hours. Most major UK airports operate direct flights to Athens year-round. Greece holidays by charter and scheduled flights also serve the major island airports — Corfu, Crete, Rhodes, Kos, Zante, Santorini, Mykonos and Kefalonia.
The Greek ferry network is extensive and well-organised for island hopping between Aegean islands, with Piraeus (Athens) as the main hub. Car hire is strongly recommended for exploring larger islands such as Crete and Rhodes independently. Greece holidays by package deal typically include transfers from the airport.
One of the great pleasures of an extended Greece holiday is moving between islands. The Greek ferry network connects hundreds of islands with regular departures from Piraeus (Athens) to the Cyclades, Dodecanese and Ionian islands. Greece holidays that combine Athens with two or three islands over ten to fourteen days deliver an exceptional range of experiences — ancient ruins, volcanic scenery, sandy beaches and Venetian old towns.
Short island-hopping trips are also feasible within groups — Corfu to Paxos by ferry, Rhodes to Symi by daily boat, Mykonos to Santorini by high-speed catamaran. Many Greece holidays visitors discover that the journey between islands is as memorable as the destinations themselves. The Aegean light on a ferry crossing at sunset is genuinely one of the most beautiful scenes in Mediterranean travel.
Greece uses the Euro (EUR) and has an excellent network of ATMs in all towns and resorts. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, though small tavernas and local shops sometimes prefer cash. Greece holidays are well-served by UK travel insurance policies, and EHIC/GHIC cards provide healthcare reciprocity within the EU.
Tap water in most Greek resorts is safe to drink, though many visitors prefer bottled water for taste. Greece holidays require no vaccinations beyond standard travel health precautions. The country drives on the right — hire car collection and navigation are straightforward once adjusted to the road signs, which include Latin-script equivalents throughout the tourist areas.
| Main airports | Athens (ATH) plus Corfu, Crete, Rhodes, Kos, Zante, Santorini, Mykonos, Kefalonia |
|---|---|
| Flight time from UK | 3–4.5 hours depending on destination |
| Best for | Beaches, history, couples, families, food lovers |
| Currency | Euro (EUR) |
| Language | Greek |
| Average July high | 30–33 °C (islands); 35 °C+ (Athens) |
| Peak season | July–August; shoulder season May–June and September |
| Time zone | GMT+2 (summer) |
Search4Sun compares Greece holidays from the UK’s leading tour operators, with departures from regional airports across the UK. Whether you want a lively beach resort in Rhodes or Kos, a romantic break in Santorini, a family Greece holiday in Corfu or Crete, or a cultural city break in Athens, we can help you compare packages and find the right option at the right price.
Always check your Greece holidays booking is protected by ABTA, holds ATOL certification or carries ABTOT cover. These schemes protect your money if an operator ceases trading before or during your holiday. Read our holiday protection guide for plain-English advice on what each scheme covers.
The best time for most Greece holidays is May to October. July and August are the most popular months but also the hottest, busiest and most expensive. May, June and September offer the ideal balance of warm swimming weather, lower prices and fewer crowds. September is particularly excellent — sea temperatures are at their warmest and the Meltemi wind has eased on the Aegean.
Corfu, Crete, Kos and Rhodes all offer excellent family Greece holidays. Corfu’s north coast beaches have exceptionally shallow, calm water ideal for young children. Kos is flat and easy to cycle, with good sandy beaches and a relaxed pace. Crete’s size means there is always a beach or activity within easy reach of any family. Greece holidays for families are very well catered for across all the main island groups.
No — UK travellers can visit Greece visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Greece is part of the Schengen Area. The EU’s ETIAS travel authorisation system will eventually apply to UK visitors — check current requirements before booking Greece holidays as the implementation date has been subject to delays.
Greece offers good value overall compared to many other Mediterranean destinations. Taverna food and local wine are excellent value. The most expensive Greece holidays destinations are Mykonos and Santorini, which have both become premium-priced in recent years. Corfu, Crete, Kos and Rhodes offer much more affordable package deals with no compromise on beach and weather quality.
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