Things to do in Greece
7 destinations in Greece, when to visit each, and what a trip actually costs.
Places to visit in Greece
- Things to do in Athens city, culture, beach
- Things to do in Crete beach, culture, food
- Things to do in Mykonos beach, relax, city
- Things to do in Naxos beach, relax, food
- Things to do in Paros beach, relax, city
- Things to do in Santorini beach, relax, food
- Things to do in Thessaloniki food, culture, city
Best time to visit Greece
When flights to each destination are cheapest.
- Athens
- The cheapest months to fly to Athens from North America are November through early March, when round-trip fares can run 30-45% lower than summer peak (June-August); midweek departures (Tuesday/Wednesday) consistently save another $50-150 compared to weekend flights.
- Crete
- Flying in April-May or October-early November cuts fares by roughly 30-45% compared to July-August peak, with HER and CHQ seeing the sharpest drops; mid-week departures (Tuesday-Wednesday) save an additional $30-60 per ticket versus weekend flights.
- Mykonos
- The cheapest months to fly to Mykonos are April-early May and October-November, when round-trip fares and hotels can run 40-60% less than July-August peak. Flying midweek (Tuesday or Wednesday) saves an additional 10-15% compared to weekend departures.
- Naxos
- Shoulder season, late April through May and mid-September through October, offers flights to Athens roughly 25-40% cheaper than the July-August peak, with Naxos accommodation prices dropping similarly and beaches far less crowded. Avoid August if possible, as it is the most expensive and crowded month in the entire Cyclades.
- Paros
- The cheapest months to fly and stay in Paros are April-May and October-early November, when prices can be 30-50% lower than the July-August peak and the island is far less crowded. Shoulder-season flights to Athens mid-week (Tuesday/Wednesday departures) consistently offer the best fares.
- Santorini
- The cheapest months to fly to Santorini are November through March, with round-trip fares from major US hubs often running 30-45% lower than the June-August peak; shoulder season in April-May and October also offers meaningful savings of 20-30% with far thinner crowds and pleasant weather.
- Thessaloniki
- Fly to Thessaloniki in November through early December or late February through March for the lowest fares, typically 30-45% cheaper than July-August peak. Midweek departures (Tuesday/Wednesday) consistently undercut weekend pricing by an additional 10-15%.
Is Greece expensive?
A day on the ground for one person travelling alone, before flights: somewhere to sleep, food, something to do and getting around.
- Athens
- About $41 a day on a shoestring, about $223 comfortably.
- Crete
- About $46 a day on a shoestring, about $235 comfortably.
- Mykonos
- About $68 a day on a shoestring, about $275 comfortably.
- Naxos
- About $57 a day on a shoestring, about $240 comfortably.
- Paros
- About $54 a day on a shoestring, about $250 comfortably.
- Santorini
- About $57 a day on a shoestring, about $250 comfortably.
- Thessaloniki
- About $37 a day on a shoestring, about $193 comfortably.
Set your dates, budget and home airport on any destination below for a total that includes flights.
Free things to do in Greece
- Athens: Hike Lycabettus Hill The highest point in Athens offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the city and Acropolis for free.
- Crete: Wander Heraklion's Venetian Walls Mile-thick 16th-century fortifications encircle the city and offer panoramic views, walk the full circuit for free.
- Mykonos: Stroll the windmills at sunset The most photographed view in the Cyclades costs nothing and is spectacular at dusk.
- Naxos: Stroll the Portara at Sunset The iconic marble gate glows gold at dusk and the walk out to the islet costs nothing.
- Paros: Hike from Parikia to Naoussa A scenic coastal and inland trail connecting the island's two main towns through olive groves and traditional hamlets.
- Santorini: Wander Fira's Caldera Footpath The cliffside walking path from Fira to Firostefani offers jaw-dropping caldera panoramas at zero cost.
Cheap eats in Greece
- Kostas Souvlaki (Monastiraki) in Athens, Pork souvlaki wrap with tomato and onion Plates $2-4
- Ippokambos Ouzeri (Heraklion) in Crete, Grilled octopus and dakos (Cretan bruschetta) Plates $5-10
- Souvlaki Story in Mykonos, Pork souvlaki wrap with tzatziki and fries Plates $4-7
- To Ellinikon in Naxos, Loukoumades (honey-drizzled fried dough balls) and fresh tiropita Plates $3-6
- Tamarisko in Paros, Chickpea fritters and grilled octopus meze Plates $7-13
- Lucky's Souvlakis (Fira) in Santorini, Pork souvlaki pita wrap loaded with tzatziki and tomato Plates $4-7