Travel Guide to Greece | Complete Guide to Traveling to Athens 2026

A first trip to Greece can feel like stepping into a book that simultaneously narrates history, nature, and Mediterranean life; a place where every step is taken among ancient temples, turquoise beaches, and cities where traces of a civilization thousands of years old can be seen in every corner. For many travelers, Greece is exactly this tempting combination of mythical history and seascapes; a destination that offers both a cultural experience and an opportunity to relax in a calm coastal setting. Athens, the capital of Greece, is usually the first city from which tourists begin their journey; a historic city that, alongside its ancient attractions, is also known as the cultural and political heart of the country.

However, for someone who has not yet traveled to this country, many questions arise; questions about the main destinations, the best time to travel, costs, and how to plan, the answers to which can shape the beginning of a precise and memorable trip. If you want to know the answers to your questions, it is better to first read the travel guide to Greece on the Sepehran blog to gain a complete understanding of this beautiful country and start your journey with awareness and planning.

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Basic information for traveling to Greece

Geographical Location of Greece

Greece, with an area of about 131,000 square kilometers, is located in southeastern Europe in the Balkan region. It borders Albania, North Macedonia, and Bulgaria to the north. It is bounded by the Aegean Sea to the east, the Ionian Sea to the west, and the Mediterranean Sea to the south; a position that has made Greece both a mountainous and a maritime country at the same time, with extensive access to open waters. Geographically, Greece is not limited to the mainland alone, and a significant part of it consists of islands. The country has more than 6,000 islands and islets, of which about 200 are inhabited.

Why should we travel to Greece?

Greece is one of the few destinations that offers several types of travel experiences at the same time; from thousands of years of history and culture to Mediterranean beaches, scenic islands, and a relaxed, flavorful lifestyle. This diversity makes Greece an attractive and complete option for a first trip to Europe or even for repeat visits. But Greece, because of:

• Unrivaled history and civilization
• Stunning islands and coastlines
• A blend of urban exploration and nature
• Mediterranean cuisine and the Greek lifestyle
• Diversity of costs and travel styles

is a destination where you will experience history, nature, food, and the sea all together. If you are looking for a trip that offers both cultural attractions and an opportunity to relax on beautiful beaches, Greece is one of the options that can simultaneously meet the different expectations of a traveler.

Climate of Greece

Greece’s climate is a combination of three main patterns: Mediterranean, temperate, and alpine, although overall the country’s dominant climate is considered Mediterranean. In most coastal areas and islands, summers are hot and sunny, while winters are milder with rainfall, a feature that makes Greece a suitable destination for seaside travel.

In Greece, temperatures in coastal regions and islands range between 30 and 35 degrees Celsius, and in cities such as Athens, they sometimes exceed 40 degrees. Scattered summer thunderstorms cool the air to some extent, but the heat remains noticeable. Winters in the southern regions are mild and range between 10 and 15 degrees Celsius, while mountainous areas such as Olympus and Pindus are colder and snowy, and their ski resorts are popular with winter tourists.

Northern Greece, including Thessaloniki, has a more continental climate, with colder winters sometimes dropping below zero and milder summers up to 25 degrees Celsius. The coldest areas are near the northwest and around Kastoria. These climatic differences are due to the country’s geographical position in the Mediterranean Sea and the mountain ranges that extend across Greece, creating variations in temperature and weather conditions in different parts of the country.

Best time to travel to Greece

The best time to travel to Athens is usually spring and autumn, when the weather is moderate, the streets are more tolerable, and tourist crowds are smaller than during the peak summer season. The months of April and May in spring and September and October in autumn create balanced conditions in terms of temperature and prices, and make visiting historical attractions easier. In summer, Athens’ heat sometimes reaches around 35 degrees, and along with increased demand, hotel and flight costs rise. Winter is quieter and cheaper, but some tourist islands have limited activity, and temperatures are around 12 degrees. Therefore, if the goal is urban sightseeing with suitable weather and reasonable costs, spring and autumn are the best choices for traveling to Athens.

Travel guide to Greece — How much does it cost to travel to Greece

Traveling to Greece, despite its many historical and natural attractions, requires proper financial planning. For tourists, being aware of accommodation, food, transportation, and entertainment costs can help manage the budget and provide a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Costs vary depending on the travel season, type of services, and the region you choose, but on average, approximate amounts can be considered for trip planning.

Section	Description
Travel Costs	Approximate Percentage
Accommodation in Greece	€30 to €100 per night (budget to mid-range hotel)
Food and Dining in Greece	Meal at a local restaurant: €10 to €15
Entertainment and Attractions	Museum and attraction tickets: €5 to €30
Domestic Transportation in Greece	Metro, bus, and tram: €5 to €10 per day
Car Rental or Taxi	Car rental: €30 to €70 per day / Taxi: €5 to €15 for a short trip

It is recommended that for a 5-day trip to Greece, you carry approximately between 500 and 1,250 euros with you so that you can benefit at a moderate level from accommodation, food, and entertainment.

Familiarity with the tourist attractions of Greece

Travel guide to Greece – Best hotels in Greece

During a trip to Greece, accommodation options can be found for every style, preference, and budget; from hostels and budget hotels in Athens and Thessaloniki to coastal boutique hotels and luxury resorts in Santorini and Mykonos. Most tourist cities and islands in Greece have hotels with international standards, and in popular tourist areas such as Athens, Crete, Rhodes, and Santorini, the variety of accommodations is very high, and you can easily choose based on your budget and type of trip (budget, family, or luxury).

Suggestions for several good hotels in Greece (from budget to luxury):

Budget and mid-range

• Athens Center Square Hotel – Athens | An affordable hotel in the city center close to historical attractions
• Art Hotel Athens – Athens | A budget option with good access to urban transportation
• Heliophos Boutique Caves – Santorini | A traditional and compact boutique hotel with more reasonable prices compared to the island’s luxury hotels

4-star and high-quality

• Radisson Blu Park Hotel – Athens | A 5-star urban hotel with a pool, restaurant, and excellent access to museums and central Athens
• Domes Resorts (multiple cities) | Modern coastal resorts with full facilities and mid-to-high-range prices

Luxury and distinctive

• Canaves Oia Suites – Santorini | A cliffside hotel with views of the caldera and Santorini’s famous sunset
• Four Seasons Astir Palace – Athens | A luxury coastal resort with a private beach and five-star services
• Cavo Tagoo – Mykonos | One of the most Instagrammable and luxurious hotels in Mykonos with private pools

Major cities and islands of Greece

Greece is a collection of historic cities and dreamlike islands, each with a different atmosphere and offering a unique travel experience. Athens, as the capital, is the historical and cultural heart of the country and, with its famous ancient monuments, is a good starting point for a trip; in contrast, Thessaloniki has a younger and more modern atmosphere with an urban and coastal vibe. Among the islands, Santorini is a romantic destination with its white houses and famous sunsets, Mykonos is known for its beaches and nightlife, and Crete, with its large size, offers a combination of nature, history, and coastal cities. Rhodes, Corfu, and Zakynthos, each with beautiful beaches, old towns, and Mediterranean views, are also among the most important tourist destinations in Greece, and the choice between them largely depends on your travel style and budget.

On a trip to Greece, these cities and islands are among the main destinations that are usually included in tourists’ itineraries:

• Athens
• Thessaloniki
• Santorini
• Mykonos
• Crete
• Rhodes
• Patras

Reading suggestion: Greece Islands

Foods you should try on a trip to Greece!

What are the souvenirs of Greece?

Buying souvenirs in Greece is not just a simple purchase, but a way to take a part of this country’s history and culture home. In the cities and islands of Greece, you can find various handicrafts, local products, and decorative items inspired by myths and ancient architecture; from small statues of ancient Greek gods and models of temples to handmade pottery, ceramic ware, silver jewelry, and traditional decorative items. In addition to their beauty, these souvenirs are reminders of Greece’s thousands-year-old civilization and are usually widely seen in local markets, art shops, and tourist streets of cities such as Athens, Santorini, and Rhodes.

Festivals, events, and celebrations in Greece

Greece is a country whose calendar throughout the year is full of celebrations, cultural festivals, and traditional events; from religious ceremonies and local rituals to music, art, and food festivals. These events are a good opportunity for tourists, in addition to seeing historical and natural attractions, to become closely familiar with the lifestyle, music, dance, and traditions of the Greek people. Many celebrations are held outdoors, in city squares or on islands, and have a joyful and friendly atmosphere; therefore, if you coordinate your travel time with one of Greece’s major festivals, you will have a different and more cultural experience of this country.

Several famous festivals and events of Greece in different seasons:

Travel guide to Greece — Famous Greek shopping centers

Greece is not only a destination for history and beaches; for many travelers, shopping is also a serious part of the travel experience. From the luxury streets of Athens to modern shopping centers with international brands, this country offers tourists a combination of Greek designer boutiques, European brands, local handicrafts, and affordable outlet centers. If you are planning a trip to Greece, becoming familiar with the main shopping hubs can help you both find authentic souvenirs and visit luxury stores.

The highest concentration of modern shopping centers is in Athens, a city that hosts everything from famous shopping streets such as Ermou to large multifunctional malls. In these centers, in addition to stores, there are also restaurants, cinemas, and entertainment spaces, so you can dedicate a full half-day to shopping and relaxation. If you are interested in luxury brands, some malls host brands such as Gucci, Prada, Armani, and Louis Vuitton; on the other hand, outlet and budget centers also offer good options for economical shopping.

On islands such as Santorini and Mykonos, you will mostly encounter stylish boutiques, handmade jewelry, and summer clothing, but for a complete shopping experience in the style of large shopping malls, Athens is the best choice. Below, you will see several major and popular shopping centers in Greece that are suitable for both luxury and regular shopping.

Information about the Greek Embassy in Iran

Visa matters and consular services are handled through the embassy’s consular section, and in many cases, applications for a Greek Schengen visa are submitted through the official visa service provider (VAC/VFS).

Before visiting in person, you must obtain an appointment in advance and prepare the visa documents according to the official guidelines; without a prior appointment, applications are usually not accepted.

Does traveling to Greece require a visa?

Yes. For Iranian citizens, tourist travel to Greece requires obtaining a short-term Schengen visa (Type C). This visa allows a maximum stay of 90 days within 180 days in the Schengen area. Currently, it includes: tourist visa, study visa, and immigration visa; here, only the conditions and documents for the tourist visa will be reviewed.

Documents and conditions for obtaining a Greek visa

General conditions for application review

• Travel history: Having previous Schengen visas or visas from reputable countries increases the chance of approval.
• Invitation letter (if available): From relatives or a reputable company in Greece.
• Financial means: Providing sufficient financial ability to cover travel expenses.

Proof of funds and bank statement

• Minimum financial means: Approximately 300 to 350 million tomans per person
• Bank statement: Printout of the last 6 months of bank account activity with reasonable balance and transactions
• The bank statement must be provided in euros or a convertible foreign currency equivalent.

Main required documents

• Completed Schengen visa application form
• Passport with at least 6 months’ validity
• Two biometric photos
• Travel insurance with coverage of at least 30,000 euros
• Round-trip flight reservation
• Hotel voucher or reservation
• Employment documents (employment certificate, salary slip, or business license)
• Financial documents (proof of funds and bank statement)
• Official translation of documents into English with seals of the Judiciary and Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Practical tips

To ensure that your trip to Greece goes smoothly, more economically, and without trouble, knowing a few practical points before departure is very useful. These items help you make the best use of your time and budget.

• Visa: A Schengen visa is required for Iranians; apply in advance.
• Currency: Euro; bank cards are accepted, but carry some cash.
• Best time to travel: Spring and early autumn; summer is crowded and more expensive.
• Transportation: In Athens, metro and buses are convenient; for islands, domestic flights are faster than ferries.
• Costs: Athens is moderate, and islands such as Santorini and Mykonos are more expensive.
• Language: Greek; English is common in tourist areas.
• Safety: Relatively safe; watch personal belongings in crowded places.
• Internet: Tourist SIM cards and public Wi-Fi are available.
• Souvenirs: Olive oil, olive products, handicrafts, and local jewelry.
• Important note: Be sure to book hotels and flights in advance, especially in summer.

These simple but practical tips make traveling to Greece easier and more professional and prevent your time from being wasted on common travel confusions. If the type of trip is specified (budget, luxury, or honeymoon), the tips can be adjusted more precisely according to that style.

Conclusion:

Traveling to Greece, especially Athens, is a combination of ancient history, a vibrant urban atmosphere, and relatively moderate costs compared to many European destinations. If you choose the right travel time—spring or autumn—you will encounter pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and more reasonable prices. Awareness of the Schengen visa process, estimating the daily budget, choosing accommodation near the city center, and using the metro and public transportation are the most important factors for having a stress-free trip. If you have experienced traveling to Athens, we would be happy if you share it with other readers and us. From costs and accommodation to good restaurants, transportation routes, attractions, and even tips you did not know before traveling.

Frequently Asked Questions