It's no wonder Greece is consistently a favorite for travellers, with one of the world's most delicious cuisines and sugar-cube white houses set against the deep blue of the Mediterranean. Greece is blessed with a beautiful landscape, studded with some of Western civilization’s most important ancient monuments, from Athens’ hilltop Acropolis to the Oracle of Delphi. Combine these historical experiences with time on the sea aboard a yacht that hops around the Greek islands.
Visa requirements may change, so for the most up to date information we recommend using our Entry Requirements tool. Alternatively, check the Greek embassy website in your country of departure.
There aren’t any specific vaccine requirements needed for Greece. However, as advice can often change, you can check out our Entry Requirements tool for the most up-to-date details on vaccination requirements.
Greece is characterised by a Mediterranean climate, which tends to give hot, dry Summers and mild, wet Winters. Temperatures tend to hit the 30 to 35°C (86 to 95°F) mark during the months of June through to August, with lows of around 10°C (50°F) in December and January. Northern and mountainous regions however may experience sub-zero temperatures during this period.
In terms of rainfall, this mostly falls during the months of November to February — particularly on the Western coast and in the Ionian Islands like Corfu and Kefalonia.
Though there’s no bad time to visit Greece per se, we’d argue that Spring (April to June) and Autumn (September to October) tend to be the best times in which to visit. During these periods, the weather is pleasant, with warm temperatures and fewer crowds compared to the peak Summer months of July and August.
These times also offer excellent sailing conditions with moderate winds, making it ideal for both experienced sailors and beginners. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy the beautiful Greek islands and coastal towns without the thronging crowds present in July and August.
While conventions can vary from country to country, tipping is customary in Europe. A general rule is 10% of the bill for wait staff, and a smaller amount (€1 or €2) for other service providers.
Tipping is an expected, though not compulsory, component of your tour programme, and an expression of satisfaction with the people who have assisted you on your tour. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides. You may do this individually, or your CEO will offer to collect the money and tip as a group. Recommendations for tipping local guides would range from €3 to €5 per day, depending on the quality and length of the service. Ask your CEO for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture.
At the end of each trip, if you felt your G Adventures CEO did an outstanding job, tipping is expected and appreciated. The precise amount is a personal preference, however €30 to €40 per person, per week can be used as a guideline. If you’re on one of our Greece sailing trips, a guideline of €5 to €8 per person, per day can be used.
Internet access in Greece is generally pretty good, with widespread availability — particularly in urban areas and in bars, restaurants, hotels and hostels. It’s slightly more unpredictable in rural areas, so be prepared for it to sometimes go down — particularly during bad weather.
You’ll find ATMs in major cities, tourist areas, airports, hotels, and even in smaller towns across the country. The most reliable ATMs tend to be from major Greek banks such as Alpha Bank, Piraeus Bank, and the National Bank of Greece.
Most ATMS accept Visa and Mastercard and other major networks of bank cards, though fees may apply for withdrawals. Check with your bank before you travel. You should also carry cash with you if you’re in remote areas, in case of emergency or if you can’t access an ATM.
As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com.
Even though it’s still a fairly religious country, Greece has made significant strides in LGBTQ+ rights in recent years. Civil unions became legal in 2015, and same-sex marriage was voted for in February 2024. While Athens and other urban areas tend to be much more liberal and have a prominent LGBTQ+-scene, rural areas are more conservative. Use discretion.
As part of their commitment, all CEOs receive LGBTQ+ inclusion training so every traveller feels respected and welcomed on all of our tours. We commit to making our tours a safe and inclusive place for people to express their authentic selves without judgement, free from any discriminatory language or harassment.
While travelling with G Adventures, all travellers must treat each other with dignity and respect to create an environment that is positive, safe, and where everyone feels welcome. You can find out more via our LGBTQ+ travel page.
Greek is the official language spoken here, and the majority of the population speaks it. There are several regional dialects — including Cypriot, Cretan and Cappadocian — and other languages spoken here include English, Albanian, Turkish and Italian.
Tap water is generally safe to drink in major cities like Athens and Thessaloniki. However, in more rural areas and on some islands, the quality may be less reliable. We’d recommend sticking to bottled water in these areas, which is readily available and fairly cheap.
Please note however that all drinks provided on our tours are safe to drink (including drinks with ice), as well as the water in most hotels and restaurants visited on tour. If in doubt, please ask your CEO for further info.
Greece is generally considered a very safe country in which to visit. However, as with everywhere else in the world, it pays to be careful. While rare, petty crime like pickpocketing does exist, and there are occasional tourist scams — especially on public transport and in crowded areas.
Political protests can occur — especially in Central Athens — and the country is prone to earthquakes and wildfires — particularly during the Summer months. Take heed of local warnings.
G Adventures takes all reasonable measures to ensure your safety and enjoyment while travelling with us. All of the included activities are properly vetted and regularly checked by us, and we take great care in choosing the right transportation, stays throughout your trip, and guides to lead your tour. However, there are always inherent risks when travelling — you can find out more via our travel safety page.