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InternationalTravel.ai > Greece

Greece

Coastal Beaches

Best Season to Visit: Spring

Best Off-Peak Month to Visit: October

Famous For: Ancient ruins, Beaches, Cuisine

Train Access: Yes (trainose, very safe)

Bus Service: Yes (KTEL, relatively safe)

Tourist Visa: Greece is part of the Schengen Area, so many travelers, including those from the US and Canada, can enter visa-free for up to 90 days. Others may need to apply for a Schengen visa, which allows travel within the Schengen zone for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

Greece offers a mesmerizing blend of ancient history, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural experiences. Travelers can explore iconic ruins like the Acropolis in Athens, delve into mythology at the Palace of Knossos in Crete, or witness the oracle's sanctuary at Delphi. The Greek islands beckon with their distinctive beauty, from the white-washed buildings and blue-domed churches of Santorini to the party atmosphere of Mykonos. Cultural experiences are plentiful, with traditional Greek music and dance, cooking classes, and language workshops immersing visitors in the local way of life. Dining in Greece is a highlight, featuring fresh Mediterranean cuisine, with an abundance of seafood, olives, feta cheese, and robust wines. Outdoor activities range from hiking the Samaria Gorge to windsurfing in the Aegean Sea. Unique events such as the Athens Epidaurus Festival showcase theater and music in ancient venues. For a quieter experience, the Peloponnese offers historic sites like Olympia amid olive groves and vineyards. Greece's diverse offerings ensure that every traveler can find their own perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and cultural enrichment.

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Podcasts

Episode 8: Jake Barber - The Expat Finance Expert Returns

Jake Barber, the Founder and CEO of SJB Global, is a life-long expat and an expert in expat finance. Over the course of Expat Exchange's nearly 30 years online, there are few people we have met with as much lived experience and professional acumen as Jake. We were thrilled to welcome him back to the show and look forward to having him on again!

Episode 6: Jake Barber - Expat Finance Expert and Lifelong Expat

Jake Barber is an expat finance expert and the founder and principal of SJB Global. A lifelong expat currently living in Marbella, Spain, Jake has vast experience helping expats from the United States, the United Kingdom, and other countries manage their finances while living abroad. Get a primer on what you need to know both before and after you move abroad!

Planning Your Trip to Greece

Weather: Greece experiences a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. Coastal areas enjoy the mild temperatures year-round, while inland areas and the north can have colder winters with occasional snowfall. The summer months are characterized by strong sunshine and very little rainfall, making it a popular destination for tourists seeking beach vacations.

Festivals: The Athens Epidaurus Festival celebrates arts with ancient drama performances, while the Thessaloniki International Film Festival is a haven for cinephiles.

Best Destinations for Kids: The island of Crete is great for kids with its beaches and the Cretaquarium, while the interactive Hellenic Children's Museum in Athens educates and entertains.

Hidden Gem: The region of Epirus, with its rugged mountains and the Vikos Gorge, is an underrated destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Budget-Friendly Advice: Greece can be a budget-friendly destination with options like affordable guesthouses, especially in less touristy areas. Street food like souvlaki and gyros offers a delicious and cheap meal for around €2-€5. Public transportation, including buses and ferries, provides cost-effective ways to explore, with intercity bus fares often under €20. Visiting archaeological sites on free admission days and choosing to hike or swim at free public beaches can significantly cut costs. Off-season travel, particularly in the shoulder months like May or October, can result in lower prices for accommodations and flights. Islands like Naxos or Paros are less expensive than Santorini or Mykonos and still offer quintessential Greek charm.

Accessibility: Greece's major cities like Athens have made efforts to improve accessibility with public transport options and ramps, but some historic areas may be challenging due to uneven surfaces.

For the Solo Traveler: Solo travel in Greece is generally safe and rewarding. The locals are known for their hospitality, and there's a well-trodden path for solo travelers, especially on the islands. Hostels and budget hotels provide affordable lodging and opportunities to meet fellow travelers. Solo visitors should exercise standard precautions, particularly in busy tourist areas to avoid pickpockets. Joining group tours can enhance the experience and provide safety in numbers when exploring historical sites or goin

Planning a 1 Week Stay: A week in Greece could include exploring Athens' historical sites, relaxing on the beaches of Crete, and enjoying the nightlife of Mykonos.

Planning a 1 Month Stay: For a month-long trip, consider starting in Athens, then island-hopping through the Cyclades, exploring the Peloponnese's ancient sites, and finishing with the natural beauty of the Ionian Islands.

Delving into the Culture

Movies Set: Mamma Mia!, Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life, Captain Corelli's Mandolin, The Big Blue, Zorba the Greek

Popular Foods: Greek cuisine is characterized by its use of fresh ingredients, olive oil, and herbs. Popular dishes include moussaka, a baked casserole of layered eggplant, minced meat, and béchamel sauce; souvlaki, skewered and grilled meat served with pita bread; and Greek salad, made with tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, feta cheese, and olive oil. For dessert, baklava, a sweet pastry made of layers of filo filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with syrup or honey, is a favorite.

Unusual Eats: Kokoretsi is a dish made from seasoned and grilled intestines of lamb or goat, often wrapped around seasoned offal, including hearts, lungs, or kidneys. This traditional food is typically enjoyed during festive occasions but may be off-putting to some visitors due to its content and preparation.

Popular Sports: football, basketball, volleyball, water polo, athletics

Popular Teams: Olympiacos F.C. (football), Panathinaikos F.C. (football), AEK Athens F.C. (football), Olympiacos B.C. (basketball), Panathinaikos B.C. (basketball)

Cultural Faux Pas to Avoid: When in Greece, it is considered rude to gesture to someone with an open palm, known as the "moutza." This is an offensive gesture and should be avoided. Additionally, it is customary to show respect to the elderly, so offering your seat on public transportation is expected. Refusing hospitality or food can also be seen as impolite, so it is best to accept with gratitude or decline very politely.