ℹ️ Quick info
📅 When to go
Best period based on climate data · Open-Meteo
Spring (April–June) and early autumn (September–October) are the golden windows: warm sea, no crowds, low prices. July and August are stunning but packed and expensive, especially in Santorini and Mykonos.
💶 Costs
🛡️ Safety
On Santorini everything costs double the other islands, especially in high season.
How to avoid it: Stay in Fira or Firostefani rather than Oia. Eat at restaurants away from the caldera edge.
July and August bring temperatures of 38–42°C, especially in Athens.
How to avoid it: Visit archaeological sites early in the morning (before 9). Carry water and a hat.
The Monastiraki and Omonia areas are popular with pickpockets.
How to avoid it: Use front-worn, zipped bags. Keep your phone in your pocket on the metro.
🚌 Transport
Essential for the islands. Book on ferryhopper.com ahead of time in high season.
Efficient, cheap, and covers the main sights including the Acropolis.
Great for Crete and the larger islands. Lets you discover hidden beaches.
Cheap but risky on narrow, uneven roads. Make sure you hold the right licence.
🧳 What to pack
- Swimwear (more than one)
- High-SPF sunscreen
- Comfortable shoes for archaeological sites
- Light, breathable clothing
- A light jacket for cool island evenings
- A waterproof beach bag
- Polarised sunglasses
- ID card or passport
- Book ferries on ferryhopper.com
- Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
- Download the Ferryhopper app for ferries
- Covering clothes for Orthodox churches
- SPF 50+ sunscreen and a hat for archaeological sites
🎉 Seasonal highlights
The Oia sunset is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. Arrive 45 minutes early to find a spot. The secret vantage point: Oia Castle, just off to the side of the main crowd.
The Acropolis opens at 8. Be first in line: golden light, no crowds and perfect photos. In summer the night visit (Fri–Sat) is a magical experience.
Seafood tavernas serve the freshest octopus at reasonable prices. On the harbour balconies, fishermen hang them to dry in the sun: a quintessentially Greek scene.
Crete fills with wildflowers and the weather is perfect for trekking the Samaria Gorge. No crowds, low prices, and the sites are almost deserted.
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