Greece

Greece is more varied than many travellers expect: ancient cities like Athens and Thessaloniki, iconic islands such as Santorini, Mykonos, and Paros, plus quieter gems like Naxos, Milos, or the Peloponnese. Before you book, think about what you want most: ruins, nightlife, hiking, beaches, or a mix.

Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) offer warm weather, swimmable seas, and fewer crowds than peak summer. July–August brings non-stop energy but also higher prices and intense heat, especially in cities. For a first trip, many travellers spend 2–3 days in Athens, then 5–7 days split between one or two islands.

Use Hello’s trip planning to map out ferry connections, flight times, and must-see stops like the Acropolis, Delphi, or Meteora. Slot in rest days around ferry travel; sailings can start early and run late. For inter-island travel, book ferries as soon as your dates are fixed in high season. Domestic flights are helpful for long hops, but factor in airport time.

Save key addresses (hotels, ports, trailheads) and offline notes in your Hello itinerary so you are not scrambling for details when you arrive after a long overnight ferry.

Greece uses the euro (€). In major cities and popular islands, cards are widely accepted, but small tavernas, beach kiosks, and family-run guesthouses may prefer cash, especially in villages. ATMs are common; withdraw moderate amounts to avoid high fees.

For everyday costs, think roughly:

• Simple taverna meal: €10–15 (about $11–16) per person
• Sit-down dinner with wine: €20–30 (about $22–33)
• Coffee: €2–4
• Bus or metro ticket in Athens: around €1–2

Tipping is appreciated but not rigid. Rounding up the bill or leaving 5–10% at restaurants is common. In cafés and bars, leaving small change is enough. For taxis, rounding up to the next euro is standard.

Use Hello’s budget tracking to log spending in euros, so you can see at a glance how your daily costs compare to your plans. If you’re travelling with others, Hello’s expense splitting makes it easy to divide shared costs for ferries, car rentals, and taverna feasts—just photograph the receipt and assign each person’s share. This is especially helpful when paying in cash, where there is no automatic breakdown on a card statement.

Moving around Greece is part of the adventure. Ferries link Athens (mainly from Piraeus, Rafina, and Lavrio) to the islands. High-speed ferries are faster but more expensive and can be bumpy in rough seas; conventional ferries are slower, cheaper, and often more comfortable for those prone to seasickness. Always arrive at the port at least 45–60 minutes before departure, more if travelling in peak summer.

On islands like Santorini, Paros, and Naxos, public buses cover main beaches and towns and are very affordable. Renting a car, scooter, or ATV gives more freedom, but check licence requirements and insurance, and drive carefully on narrow, winding roads. In Athens, the metro, buses, and trams are efficient; avoid driving in the city unless necessary.

Download ferry tickets to your phone and store schedules and port locations in your Hello trip planning so you don’t mix up gates or ports. With Hello eSIM connectivity, you can check live bus timetables, navigate from ports to accommodations, and receive airline or ferry updates without worrying about roaming charges.

Greek food is a highlight of any trip. Beyond gyros, look for moussaka, souvlaki, dakos (Cretan tomato and feta barley rusk salad), gemista (stuffed tomatoes and peppers), and fresh grilled fish. In seaside tavernas, ask what was caught that day. In mountain villages, try slow-cooked lamb, stews, and local cheeses.

Greeks eat late. Lunch often starts around 2 pm, and dinner at 9 pm or later, especially in summer. To avoid queues at popular places in Plaka (Athens) or on islands like Mykonos, either reserve ahead or arrive early by local standards. Many tavernas welcome lingering, so don’t expect the bill until you ask for it.

For drinks, sample ouzo, tsipouro, and local wines—especially Assyrtiko in Santorini. Tap water is generally safe on the mainland, but on some islands it’s better used for brushing teeth than drinking; ask your host.

Use Hello’s expense splitting when sharing meze-style spreads, which is how many locals like to eat: a table full of small dishes for everyone. Snap the bill, split it in the app, and keep your budget tracking on target while still saying yes to another plate of saganaki or one more round of baklava.