When to Go & Travel Tips
Greece is hot in summer and quiet in winter, and the shoulder seasons are the sweet spot. Seasons, ferries, heat, entry rules and practical notes are here.
When to go
April to June
Warm days, wildflowers in spring, and the sea warming up by June. A lovely time for Athens and the islands before the summer crowds.
July and August
Hot and the busiest months. The meltemi wind can make the Aegean rough and delay ferries. Wildfires are a risk from July to September, so follow local advice.
September and October
Warm sea, softer heat and thinner crowds. Many island businesses begin to close in late October.
November to March
Quiet and mild in Athens, a good time for museums and ancient sites. Many island hotels and ferries run reduced schedules or close for the winter.
Getting there and entry
- Athens International Airport is the main gateway. There are seasonal non-stops from Canada, and many trips connect through another hub.
- Greece is in the Schengen Area. Canadians do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days in any 180 days in the Schengen Area, and the EU Entry/Exit System registers you at the border. ETIAS is not in operation yet.
- Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the date you plan to leave the Schengen Area.
Ferries and getting around
- Ferries and fast boats link Athens with the islands and the islands with each other. Strong winds and strikes can cancel sailings, so leave a buffer day before your flight home.
- Domestic flights reach the larger islands, such as Crete, Santorini and Rhodes, in about an hour.
- Traffic keeps to the right, and a Canadian licence is accepted. Scooter and quad-bike accidents involving tourists are common on the islands, and helmets are compulsory.
Practical notes
- The currency is the euro (EUR). Carry some cash on small islands, where ATMs can run out.
- Hotels and rentals add a per-room, per-night climate resilience fee, which is higher in the main season.
- Pickpocketing is common at busy sites and on public transport, especially in Athens.
- Strikes and demonstrations happen regularly in Athens and can disrupt transport.
- Dial 112 for emergencies, or 1571 for the tourist police.
Entry rules and advisories change. Before you book and again before you fly, check travel.gc.ca.
Greece planning questions
Do Canadians need a visa for Greece?
Not for a holiday of up to 90 days in any 180 in the Schengen Area. You will be registered in the EU Entry/Exit System at the border. ETIAS is not in operation yet. Check travel.gc.ca before you book and again before you fly.
When is the best time to visit Greece?
May, June, September and early October offer warm weather and warm sea without the peak crowds and heat of July and August. From November to March, many island hotels close and ferries run less often.
How many Greek islands should I visit?
Two or three is usually plenty for a ten to fourteen night trip. Choosing islands on the same ferry route keeps the travel days short and leaves more time to enjoy each one.
Are Greek ferries reliable?
Generally, yes, but strong winds, especially the summer meltemi, and occasional strikes can cancel or delay sailings. Leave a buffer day before an international flight home.
Do I need to book Acropolis tickets in advance?
It is a good idea. Timed entry tickets help you avoid long waits, and going early in the day avoids the worst of the heat. The site can close during extreme heat.
Let’s plan your Greece trip
Tell me when you’d like to go, how long you have, and whether you picture busy island nights or quiet village days. I’ll match the islands, and book the stays, ferries and flights.
The initial 30-minute consultation is complimentary. The professional research fee is $50 per traveller aged 2 or older, paid before research begins.