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Capital

Athens

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Language

Greek

Best Time

May–Jun and Sep–Oct

Time Zone

EET (UTC+2) / EEST (UTC+3)

Flag of Greece
Welcome to Greece

Cradle of Western Civilization

Welcome to Greece, the birthplace of democracy, philosophy, and countless myths, where ancient ruins meet stunning Aegean coastlines. The Acropolis in Athens stands as an enduring symbol of Western civilization, overlooking a city rich in history and modern energy. Santorini's whitewashed villages perched on volcanic cliffs offer some of the most iconic sunsets in the world. Mykonos dazzles with vibrant nightlife and picture-perfect windmills against the deep blue Aegean Sea. The ancient ruins of Delphi, once considered the center of the world, sit dramatically among the mountains. Crete, Greece's largest island, offers dramatic gorges, ancient Minoan palaces, and pristine beaches. Greek cuisine, rich in olive oil, fresh seafood, and sun-ripened produce, reflects centuries of Mediterranean tradition. Greece invites travelers to walk among the origins of Western culture surrounded by extraordinary natural beauty.

Popular City

Athens

Athens’s Acropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage site, crowns the city with the Parthenon, the temple to Athena that remains one of the most influential buildings in architectural history. The Acropolis Museum, built with glass floors revealing ancient ruins below, displays sculptures and artifacts recovered from the sacred hill. The Plaka district, at the foot of the Acropolis, offers narrow neoclassical streets filled with tavernas and shops, giving Athens’s oldest neighborhood a village-like charm. The Ancient Agora, once the heart of civic life in classical Athens, preserves the well-restored Temple of Hephaestus among its ruins. Syntagma Square, where the changing of the Evzones guard takes place, sits before the Greek Parliament building. Athens’s unmatched concentration of classical history makes it foundational to understanding Western civilization.

Travel News

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Popular City

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki, Greece’s second city, offers the White Tower, a Byzantine and Ottoman-era waterfront landmark now housing a museum on the city’s history. The Rotunda, originally built as a Roman mausoleum and later converted into both a church and mosque, reflects the city’s layered religious history. The Ano Poli, or upper town, preserves Ottoman-era houses and Byzantine walls with sweeping views over the Thermaic Gulf. Thessaloniki’s food scene, drawing on Greek, Sephardic Jewish, and Ottoman influences, has earned it a reputation as one of Greece’s most exciting culinary cities. The city’s vibrant student population, one of the largest in Greece, gives Thessaloniki a lively bar and cafe culture along its seafront promenade. Thessaloniki’s layered history and food culture make it a compelling alternative to Athens.

Travel Tips

Helpful information to consider before and during your visit.

Before You Go

  • Confirm passport validity and entry requirements.
  • Check whether a tourist visa is required.
  • Keep digital copies of important documents.
  • Consider purchasing travel insurance.

Money & Payments

  • Review the local currency and exchange rate.
  • Carry some cash for small businesses and markets.
  • Check for international bank transaction fees.
  • Learn the country's customary tipping practices.

Stay Connected

  • Review your mobile carrier's international plan.
  • Consider purchasing a local SIM or eSIM.
  • Download maps for offline use before traveling.
  • Avoid sensitive transactions on unsecured Wi-Fi.

Transportation

  • Research public transportation before arrival.
  • Use licensed taxis or reputable rideshare services.
  • Check which side of the road vehicles use.
  • Confirm whether an international permit is needed.

Electricity

  • Check the country's voltage and outlet type.
  • Bring the correct plug adapter for your devices.
  • Use a voltage converter when required.
  • Pack a portable charger for longer excursions.

Weather & Clothing

  • Review the seasonal weather before packing.
  • Bring layers for changing temperatures.
  • Pack rain protection when appropriate.
  • Use sunscreen even on cool or cloudy days.

Food & Water

  • Research whether tap water is safe to drink.
  • Communicate food allergies clearly.
  • Try traditional dishes from reputable vendors.
  • Observe local dining customs and meal times.

Safety

  • Secure valuables in crowded tourist areas.
  • Avoid displaying large amounts of cash.
  • Share your itinerary with someone you trust.
  • Review current government travel advisories.

Language & Etiquette

  • Learn a few polite words in the local language.
  • Respect dress requirements at religious sites.
  • Ask permission before photographing people.
  • Follow local traditions, laws and social customs.

Emergency Planning

  • Save the country's emergency telephone number.
  • Locate your nearest embassy or consulate.
  • Keep medication in its original packaging.
  • Store emergency contacts offline and on paper.

Smart Packing

  • Pack comfortable shoes for walking and tours.
  • Keep essential medication in your carry-on.
  • Bring a reusable bottle where appropriate.
  • Leave room for locally purchased items.

Local Research

  • Check attraction hours and reservation policies.
  • Review national holidays and local closures.
  • Download important addresses before departure.
  • Leave flexibility for unexpected discoveries.
Important: Entry requirements, transportation rules, weather conditions and safety guidance can change. Verify important information with official sources before traveling.

Popular City

Santorini

Santorini’s caldera views, with whitewashed, blue-domed buildings clinging to volcanic cliffs above the sea, rank among the most photographed sights in the world, particularly at sunset from the village of Oia. The island was formed by one of the largest volcanic eruptions in recorded history, and the ancient ruins of Akrotiri, sometimes called the Minoan Pompeii, preserve a Bronze Age settlement buried by the eruption. Fira, the island’s main town, offers cliffside walkways connecting shops and restaurants with sweeping caldera views, along with a cable car down to the old port. Santorini’s volcanic soil produces distinctive wines, with several wineries offering tastings amid dramatic vineyard views. Red Beach and Perissa’s black sand beaches showcase the island’s volcanic geology in dramatic color. Santorini’s caldera views and volcanic history make it one of the most iconic Greek islands.

Local Food to Try

Discover some of Greece's most popular flavors, traditional dishes and memorable local treats during your visit.

Moussaka

Moussaka is a signature Greece specialty known for its distinctive local ingredients, seasoning and traditional preparation.

Souvlaki

This popular Greece dish brings together familiar regional flavors and is commonly enjoyed in homes, markets or local restaurants.

Spanakopita

A well-loved part of Greece cuisine, Spanakopita reflects the country's culinary traditions and locally available ingredients.

Dolmades

Dolmades is a comforting regional favorite, prepared in styles that may vary between families, cities and different parts of Greece.

Pastitsio

Visitors often seek out Pastitsio for an authentic taste of Greece's everyday cooking and food culture.

Greek Salad

This traditional favorite highlights the bold, savory or gently spiced flavors associated with cooking in Greece.

Kleftiko

Kleftiko is widely recognized in Greece and is often served at casual meals, celebrations or community gatherings.

Loukoumades

A memorable choice for travelers, Loukoumades offers a flavorful introduction to the ingredients and techniques used across Greece.

Baklava

This classic food is an important part of Greece's culinary identity and is best sampled freshly prepared.

Dining tip: Regional specialties and preparation styles vary throughout Greece. Explore local markets, independent cafés and family-owned restaurants for an authentic taste of the destination.

Little-Known Facts

Greece

Greece is widely regarded as the birthplace of democracy, Western philosophy, and the Olympic Games, making it one of the most historically influential countries in the world. Situated at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, Greece is made up of more than 6,000 islands and islets, though only about 227 are inhabited. Its rugged mountains, turquoise seas, ancient ruins, and whitewashed villages create some of the Mediterranean's most iconic landscapes.

The Acropolis of Athens, crowned by the magnificent Parthenon, has overlooked the city for nearly 2,500 years and remains one of humanity's greatest architectural achievements. Greece is also home to the extraordinary monasteries of Meteora, perched atop towering sandstone pillars, and Delphi, once considered the center of the ancient world according to Greek mythology. Throughout the country, archaeological sites reveal temples, theaters, and cities that shaped art, science, literature, and politics for generations.

Greek mythology continues to captivate people around the globe with stories of Zeus, Athena, Poseidon, and countless legendary heroes. Modern Greece preserves these ancient traditions while embracing a vibrant culture known for music, hospitality, and exceptional cuisine featuring olive oil, fresh seafood, and local cheeses. Whether exploring ancient ruins, island villages, or dramatic mountain landscapes, Greece offers an unforgettable journey through both history and natural beauty.
Another little-known fact is that Albanians have a unique cultural tradition called "Besa," meaning "to keep one's promise." This centuries-old code of honor became internationally recognized during World War II when Albania was one of the few European countries where the Jewish population actually increased because local families risked their lives to shelter refugees. Albania also boasts the stunning Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër), a natural spring with crystal-clear turquoise water whose exact depth remains unknown despite multiple explorations.

Finally, Albania enjoys more than 300 sunny days each year, rivaling many Mediterranean destinations. The country is also famous for its "sworn virgins"—a centuries-old tradition in remote mountain villages where women could legally assume male social roles by taking a lifelong vow of celibacy, preserving family inheritance and leadership in the absence of male heirs.