Things to do in Greece

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?

It depends on the city and how you travel. Open any destination below and set your dates, budget and home airport to get an estimated total for flights, stays and day-to-day spending, rather than a generic average.

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.
• Thessaloniki: Waterfront Promenade Stroll The sweeping seafront from the White Tower to the Concert Hall is perfect for people-watching at golden hour.