Greece

Greece is a premier Mediterranean destination, attracting over 30 million visitors annually with its ancient history, island-hopping opportunities, and renowned hospitality. The country's aviation network is designed around a single major hub with extensive seasonal connections to dozens of island airports.

Athens International (ATH) is Greece's primary gateway, handling over 25 million passengers and serving as the hub for Aegean Airlines (Star Alliance). From Athens, domestic flights connect to more than 40 Greek islands and regional airports in under an hour.

Greece's island airports experience dramatic seasonal variation—many routes operate only May through October when tourism peaks. Mykonos (JMK) and Santorini (JTR) have transformed from seasonal strips to busy international airports with direct connections from across Europe. The ferry network remains essential for island travel, complementing flights and often providing the only access to smaller islands.

Gateway Airports

Airport	Code	City	2023 Passengers	Role
Athens International	ATH	Athens	28M	National hub, Aegean Airlines base
Thessaloniki	SKG	Thessaloniki	8M	Northern Greece gateway
Heraklion	HER	Crete	9M	Largest island airport
Rhodes	RHO	Rhodes	6M	Dodecanese gateway
Corfu	CFU	Corfu	4M	Ionian Islands gateway

Athens International (ATH) — "Eleftherios Venizelos" is Greece's only major hub. Modern single-terminal airport opened in 2001. Metro Line 3 connects to central Athens (40 min, €9). Suburban rail and express buses also available. All Star Alliance flights and most intercontinental services depart from here. The airport serves as a connecting point for island flights.

Thessaloniki (SKG) — "Makedonia Airport" serves Greece's second city and northern regions. Gateway for Halkidiki beaches, Mount Olympus, and northern archaeological sites. Growing international connections, especially from Central and Eastern Europe. Bus 01X connects to city center (45 min).

Heraklion (HER) — "Nikos Kazantzakis" on Crete's north coast. Greece's second-busiest airport by passengers. Strong seasonal charter traffic from across Europe. Located 5km from city center. Serves as base for exploring Crete's archaeological sites including Knossos. A new airport at Kastelli (30km southeast) is under construction.

Rhodes (RHO) — "Diagoras Airport" on the Dodecanese's largest island. Heavy seasonal traffic from Northern Europe. Located 14km from Rhodes Town. Gateway for the medieval Old Town and eastern Aegean islands.

Corfu (CFU) — "Ioannis Kapodistrias" serves the Ionian Islands. Dramatic runway approach over water. Strong UK and Northern European connections. Located 3km from Corfu Town.

Major Island Airports

Airport	Code	Island	Notes
Mykonos	JMK	Mykonos	High-end tourism, direct European/Middle East flights
Santorini	JTR	Santorini	Iconic destination, very busy in summer
Chania	CHQ	Crete	Western Crete gateway, alternative to HER
Kos	KGS	Kos	Dodecanese, strong German/UK market
Zakynthos	ZTH	Zakynthos	Ionian Islands, charter favorite
Kefalonia	EFL	Kefalonia	Ionian Islands
Samos	SMI	Samos	Eastern Aegean
Skiathos	JSI	Skiathos	Sporades, famous short runway

Mykonos (JMK) — Tiny airport serving one of the Mediterranean's most fashionable destinations. Summer-only direct flights from Paris, London, Dubai, and other major cities. Book domestic connections from Athens well ahead in peak season—flights sell out. Just 4km from Mykonos Town.

Santorini (JTR) — Small airport struggling to handle tourism demand. Runway limitations restrict aircraft size. Direct seasonal flights from major European cities. Extremely busy July-August. Located 6km from Fira. Most visitors arriving internationally still connect via Athens.

Chania (CHQ) — Western Crete's airport, serving Chania's Venetian harbor and Samaria Gorge. Alternative to Heraklion for western Crete destinations. Good European connections.

Mainland Regional Airports

Airport	Code	City	Notes
Kalamata	KLX	Kalamata	Peloponnese gateway
Kavala	KVA	Kavala	Northeastern Greece, Thasos access
Volos	VOL	Volos	Pelion, Sporades ferry port
Ioannina	IOA	Ioannina	Northwestern Greece, Zagori
Alexandroupoli	AXD	Alexandroupoli	Thrace region

Flag Carrier

Aegean Airlines (A3) — Greece's flag carrier and Star Alliance member since 2010. Based at Athens (ATH) with a secondary hub at Thessaloniki (SKG). Operates extensive domestic network to 30+ Greek airports and European routes to 40+ countries. Known for quality service and has won Skytrax Best Regional Airline in Europe multiple times. Merged with Olympic Air in 2013.

Domestic Carriers

• Olympic Air (OA) — Aegean subsidiary operating turboprops (Bombardier Q400) to smaller islands and regional airports. Essential for reaching Milos, Naxos, Paros, Syros, and other Cycladic islands with short runways.
• Sky Express (GQ) — Greek regional carrier with ATR turboprops and Airbus jets. Growing network connecting islands directly (e.g., Crete to Rhodes) without Athens transit. Useful for island-hopping.

Low-Cost Carriers

Seasonal LCCs dominate island routes:

• Ryanair (FR) — Major summer presence at ATH, SKG, CHQ, RHO. Bases aircraft seasonally. Budget connections from across Europe.
• easyJet (U2) — Strong UK-Greece connections. Serves ATH, CFU, HER, KGS, RHO, SKG, ZTH.
• Wizz Air (W6) — Growing Eastern European connections to Athens and islands.
• Transavia (HV) — Dutch LCC with good Netherlands-Greece links.
• Volotea (V7) — Serves secondary routes and island connections.
• Jet2 (LS) — UK leisure carrier, strong on island routes.

International Airlines

Strong presence from:

• Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian — Star Alliance connections; code-share with Aegean
• British Airways — Extensive UK-Greece network
• Air France, KLM — European connections via Paris and Amsterdam
• Emirates, Qatar — Middle East connections, year-round to Athens
• Turkish Airlines — Competitor hub in Istanbul, extensive Greek network
• Cyprus Airways — Frequent Athens-Larnaca
• United, Delta — Seasonal transatlantic to Athens

Schengen Area

Greece is part of the Schengen Area. This affects entry requirements:

Visa-free (up to 90 days in any 180-day period):

• USA, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea
• Most Latin American countries
• Many other nations—check specific requirements

Important: The 90-day limit applies to the entire Schengen Area, not just Greece. Time in Italy, Spain, France, etc. counts toward your 90 days.

ETIAS (Coming 2025)

The EU is implementing ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System):

• Required for visa-exempt travelers
• Cost: €7 (valid 3 years)
• Apply online before travel
• Check travel-europe.europa.eu/etias for launch date

Visa Required

Citizens requiring Schengen visas:

• Apply at Greek embassy/consulate or visa application center
• Short-stay visa (Type C) for tourism
• Processing: 15-45 days
• Cost: €80

Passport Requirements

• Valid for at least 3 months beyond planned departure from Schengen
• Issued within previous 10 years
• At least 2 blank pages
• UK travelers post-Brexit: Passport required (ID cards no longer accepted)

Official information: mfa.gr/en/visas

Domestic Flights

Given Greece's geography, flying is often essential:

Route	Flight Time	Frequency	Notes
Athens ↔ Thessaloniki	55 min	15+/day	Train alternative (4h)
Athens ↔ Heraklion	50 min	15+/day	Most frequent route
Athens ↔ Rhodes	55 min	8+/day	Year-round
Athens ↔ Santorini	45 min	6+/day	Seasonal increase
Athens ↔ Mykonos	40 min	6+/day	Book ahead in summer
Athens ↔ Corfu	1h	5+/day	Year-round

Booking tips:

• Aegean/Olympic for reliability and baggage allowance
• Book island flights 2-3 months ahead for July-August
• Sky Express for direct inter-island routes
• Check ferry alternatives—sometimes more practical

Ferries

Essential for island travel. Greece's ferry network is one of the world's most extensive:

Major ports:

• Piraeus (Athens): Hub for Cyclades, Dodecanese, Crete, Saronic islands
• Rafina (Athens): Alternative for Cyclades, faster to some islands
• Lavrio (Athens): Kea and some Cyclades
• Thessaloniki: Northern Aegean, Sporades
• Patras: Ionian Islands, Italy ferries

Ferry types:

• High-speed catamarans: 2x faster, 2x price, rougher seas cancel them
• Conventional ferries: Slower but reliable, cheaper, vehicles allowed
• Blue Star, ANEK, Minoan: Major operators

Booking:

• Ferryhopper — Best comparison site
• OpenSeas — Official Greek ferry booking
• Book high-speed ferries in advance (July-August essential)
• Conventional ferries: book day-of usually fine, except August

Sample routes from Piraeus:

• Mykonos: 2.5h (high-speed) / 5h (conventional)
• Santorini: 5h (high-speed) / 8h (conventional)
• Crete (Heraklion): 9h overnight ferry
• Paros/Naxos: 4h (conventional)

Trains

Limited but useful:

Athens-Thessaloniki — Recently upgraded, 4 hours. Competitive with flying when including airport time. Book at trainose.gr.

Athens suburban rail — Connects airport to city and Piraeus port.

Peloponnese — Limited service; car recommended.

Car Rental

Useful for:

• Crete — Large island, essential for south coast and mountain villages
• Rhodes — Explore beyond beach resorts
• Peloponnese — Ancient sites (Olympia, Mycenae, Epidaurus)
• Northern Greece — Mountains, Meteora access

Notes:

• Drive on the right
• International license recommended but EU/US often accepted
• Island roads can be narrow and winding
• Ferry car transport available but expensive in peak season
• Rental companies on every major island

Buses (KTEL)

KTEL intercity buses cover the mainland comprehensively:

• Athens to most mainland destinations
• Affordable and frequent
• Book at ktelbus.com or station

Peak Season (July-August)

Greek summer is hot (30-40°C), crowded, and expensive. Islands are packed, especially Mykonos, Santorini, and beach destinations. Book accommodation and flights months ahead. Ferries and airports at capacity.

Shoulder Season (May-June, September-October)

Best overall. Warm weather (20-28°C), swimmable seas (especially September), fewer crowds, lower prices. Late September/October excellent for Athens and archaeological sites. May has occasional rain but wildflowers.

Off-Season (November-April)

Coolest and cheapest. Good for:

• Athens without crowds
• Archaeological sites (Delphi, Olympia, Mycenae)
• Northern Greece skiing
• Crete and Rhodes stay mild

Note: Most island tourism shuts down November-April. Ferries reduce to skeleton service. Many hotels, restaurants, and attractions close.

Regional Timing

Region	Best Time	Avoid
Athens	Apr-Jun, Sep-Nov	Jul-Aug (40°C)
Islands (Cyclades)	May-Jun, Sep-Oct	Jul-Aug (overcrowded)
Crete	Apr-Jun, Sep-Oct	Jul-Aug (hot, crowded)
Northern Greece	May-Sep	Winter (cold)
Peloponnese	Apr-Jun, Sep-Oct	Jul-Aug (very hot)
Ionian Islands	May-Sep	Nov-Mar (rainy)

Events

• Orthodox Easter (Apr/May): Major celebration, especially in Athens and islands
• Athens Epidaurus Festival (Jun-Aug): Ancient drama in ancient theaters
• Assumption of Mary (Aug 15): National holiday, peak travel day
• Thessaloniki Film Festival (Nov): Major cultural event

Cities

City	Airport	Known For
Athens	ATH	Acropolis, ancient history, museums
Thessaloniki	SKG	Byzantine heritage, food scene
Heraklion	HER	Knossos Palace, Minoan civilization
Rhodes Town	RHO	Medieval old town, Palace of Grand Master
Chania	CHQ	Venetian harbor, old town
Corfu Town	CFU	UNESCO old town, Venetian/British heritage

Islands

Island	Airport	Known For
Santorini	JTR	Caldera views, sunsets, volcanic beaches
Mykonos	JMK	Nightlife, beaches, Cycladic architecture
Crete	HER, CHQ	Largest island, diverse landscapes, history
Rhodes	RHO	Medieval town, beaches, history
Corfu	CFU	Green landscapes, Venetian influence
Naxos	JNX	Beaches, villages, less crowded
Paros	PAS	Wind/kitesurfing, authentic villages
Zakynthos	ZTH	Shipwreck Beach, sea turtles
Kefalonia	EFL	Dramatic landscapes, Myrtos Beach
Milos	MLO	Volcanic beaches, Sarakiniko

Archaeological Sites

Site	Access	Known For
Acropolis	Athens (ATH)	Parthenon, birthplace of democracy
Delphi	Athens (2.5h drive)	Oracle, Temple of Apollo
Olympia	Kalamata (KLX) or Athens	Original Olympic Games site
Knossos	Heraklion (HER)	Minoan palace, Europe's oldest city
Meteora	Thessaloniki (SKG) or Athens	Monasteries on rock pillars
Mycenae	Athens (2h drive)	Bronze Age citadel, Lion Gate
Epidaurus	Athens (2h drive)	Ancient theater, perfect acoustics

Regions

• Cyclades: Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Milos — quintessential Greek islands
• Dodecanese: Rhodes, Kos, Patmos — eastern Aegean, close to Turkey
• Ionian: Corfu, Zakynthos, Kefalonia — green, western islands
• Sporades: Skiathos, Skopelos — forested, fewer tourists
• Halkidiki: Three peninsulas south of Thessaloniki — mainland beaches
• Pelion: Mountain villages, traditional architecture

Money

• Currency: Euro (EUR, €)
• Cards: Widely accepted in tourist areas and cities. Smaller tavernas and rural areas prefer cash
• Cash: Essential for small islands, ferries, village tavernas
• ATMs: Available on all but smallest islands. Euronet machines have high fees—use bank ATMs
• Tipping: Not obligatory. Round up at tavernas (5-10% for good service). €1-2 for hotel porters

Connectivity

• Mobile: Cosmote (largest), Vodafone, Wind
• EU roaming: Free for EU residents. UK travelers now charged
• eSIM: Airalo, Holafly work well
• WiFi: Good in hotels and cafes. Variable on smaller islands
• Note: Coverage can be spotty in remote mountain and island areas

Electrical

• Voltage: 230V, 50Hz
• Plug types: Types C and F (standard European)
• Adapters: UK, US, and Australian travelers need adapters
• Note: Same as most of continental Europe

Language

• Greek is the national language
• English widely spoken in tourist areas and among younger Greeks
• Tourism workers generally speak English, German, or French
• Basics appreciated: "Efharisto" (thank you), "Parakalo" (please/you're welcome), "Kalimera" (good morning)
• Greek alphabet can be challenging—but signs in tourist areas often include Latin letters

Food & Drink

• Tavernas: Casual restaurants, often family-run. Best authentic food
• Mezedes: Small shared plates, Greek tapas style
• Souvlaki: Ubiquitous street food, excellent and cheap
• Seafood: Price by weight—ask before ordering
• Water: Tap water safe in cities. Bottled on some islands
• Coffee culture: Greek coffee (traditional), freddo espresso/cappuccino (iced, very popular)
• Lunch: 1-3pm. Dinner: 9pm onwards (Greeks eat late)

Cultural Notes

• Cover charge (couvert): Small bread/water charge (€1-2) is standard
• Siesta: Shops often close 2-5pm, especially in summer and on islands
• Church etiquette: Cover shoulders and knees
• August 15: Biggest holiday—everything books out, Greeks travel en masse
• "No" gesture: Upward head nod means "no" in Greece

Useful Apps

• Ferryhopper: Essential for ferry booking/tracking
• OASA Telematics: Athens public transport
• Beat: Taxi app (Greek Uber alternative)
• Google Maps: Works well offline for islands
• e-Tickets: Greek rail booking

• Tourism: Visit Greece
• Visa: Greek MFA
• ETIAS: travel-europe.europa.eu/etias
• Ferries: Ferryhopper
• Athens Airport: aia.gr
• Aegean Airlines: aegeanair.com
• Trainose: trainose.gr
• KTEL Buses: ktelbus.com