Greece: Itinerary Planning Guide

Greece gave the Western world its foundational philosophy, democracy, mathematics, and drama — and the physical evidence of that legacy is still accessible. The Parthenon in Athens, the Oracle at Delphi, the ruins of Olympia where the Games were held for 1,169 continuous years, and the Minoan palace of Knossos in Crete are among humanity's most significant archaeological sites. But Greece is not only ancient history: it's also 16,000 kilometres of coastline, 227 inhabited islands, some of Europe's best food, and a warmth of hospitality that is genuinely unconditional. The islands are the heart of Greek summer tourism. Santorini's caldera views and white-washed Cycladic architecture, Mykonos's nightlife, Crete's mountains and beaches, Rhodes's medieval old town, and Corfu's Venetian architecture each have a distinct character. The ferry network connecting them makes island-hopping feasible and affordable — a Blue Star or SeaJets ferry between islands typically runs 30 to 90 euros. Greek food is straightforward, seasonal, and outstanding when eaten close to its source. Fresh fish at a harbour taverna, grilled octopus dried in the sun, fava dip, spanakopita from a village bakery, and local wine from Santorini's volcanic soil are experiences that are genuinely difficult to replicate elsewhere. The food is better in villages and island ports than in tourist-facing restaurants.