Greece is a wonderful country that offers ancient history, mythology, and culture. However, traveling to Greece in summer can be a sunny and relaxing experience. You can enjoy the white sand beaches, the blue sea water, and the island hopping. In this blog post, I will share with you a complete guide on how to travel to Greece in summer, including what to pack, where to go, what to do, and how to avoid the crowds and the heat.
What to pack for Greece in summer:
- A light and sun-protective clothing: Summer in Greece can be hot and sunny, especially in the south and east regions. You should pack light and sun-protective clothing that can keep you cool and comfortable. You can choose from different fabrics, such as cotton, linen, or nylon. You can also choose from different styles, such as shorts, tops, dresses, or hats. You should also pack some layers for cooler nights or windy places.
- A swimsuit and towel: A swimsuit and towel are essential items for enjoying the beautiful beaches and islands of Greece. You can choose from different types of swimsuits, such as bikinis, one-pieces, or boardshorts. You can also choose from different colors, patterns, and designs of swimsuits, such as solid, floral, or geometric. You should also pack a towel that is quick-drying and lightweight.
- A sunscreen and sunglasses: A sunscreen and sunglasses are important accessories for protecting your eyes and skin from the strong sun rays in Greece. You should choose a sunscreen that has a high SPF (sun protection factor) and is water-resistant. You should also choose sunglasses that have UV (ultraviolet) protection and polarized lenses. You should apply both products generously and frequently throughout the day.
- A comfortable shoes and backpack: A comfortable shoes and backpack are a must-have footwear and bag for exploring the amazing nature and culture of Greece. You should choose a shoes and backpack that are suitable for the terrain and the activity that you plan to do. You can choose from different types of shoes, such as sneakers, flats, or sandals. You can also choose from different materials, colors, and features of shoes, such as leather, canvas, or waterproof.
Where to go in Greece in summer:
- Athens: The capital city of Greece is a historical and cultural treasure that offers countless attractions and experiences. You can visit some of the iconic landmarks in Athens, such as the Acropolis, the Parthenon, or the National Archaeological Museum. You can also explore some of the hidden gems in Athens, such as Plaka, Monastiraki, or Anafiotika. You can also enjoy some activities, such as museum hopping, street art spotting, or rooftop dining.
- Santorini: The island of Santorini is one of the most popular and picturesque destinations in Greece. It is known for its white-washed houses, blue-domed churches, and stunning caldera views. You can visit some of the beautiful places in Santorini, such as Oia, Fira, or Akrotiri. You can also enjoy some activities, such as sailing, volcano hiking, or wine tasting.
- Crete: The island of Crete is the largest and most diverse island in Greece. It is known for its ancient history, rich culture, and natural beauty. You can visit some of the fascinating sites in Crete, such as Knossos Palace, Heraklion Archaeological Museum, or Samaria Gorge. You can also enjoy some activities, such as beach hopping, mountain biking, or cheese making.
What to do in Greece in summer:
- See the ancient sites: Greece is home to some of the most impressive and influential ancient sites in the world. They are a testament to the civilization that shaped Western culture, philosophy, art, and politics. You can see some of the best ancient sites in Greece, such as Delphi, Olympia, Epidaurus, or Mycenae. You can also join some of the guided tours or audio guides that are available at these sites, such as this tour of Delphi, this tour of Olympia, [this tour of Epidaurus], or [this tour of Mycenae].
- Taste the Greek cuisine: The Greek cuisine is one of the most delicious and healthy cuisines in the world. It is based on fresh ingredients, olive oil, herbs, and spices. You can taste some of the most typical and tasty dishes of Greece, such as moussaka (baked eggplant with meat sauce), souvlaki (grilled meat skewers), tzatziki (yogurt with cucumber and garlic), or baklava (filo pastry with nuts and honey). You can also try some of the local specialties that vary from region to region, such as fava (split pea puree) in Santorini, dakos (barley rusk with tomato and cheese) in Crete, or pastitsio (pasta bake with meat and béchamel sauce) in Athens.
- Enjoy the Greek islands: The Greek islands are the ultimate summer destination for many travelers. They offer a variety of landscapes, activities, and atmospheres. You can enjoy some of the best Greek islands, such as Mykonos, Corfu, Rhodes, or Naxos. You can also island-hop by taking ferries or flights between the islands, such as [this ferry from Mykonos to Santorini], [this flight from Athens to Crete], [this ferry from Rhodes to Kos], or [this flight from Naxos to Athens].
How to avoid the crowds and the heat in Greece in summer:
- Travel in the shoulder season: The peak season for traveling to Greece is from late June to early September, when the weather is hot, the prices are high, and the crowds are large. If you want to avoid the crowds and the heat, you should travel in the shoulder season, which is from mid-May to mid-June or from mid-September to mid-October. During this time, the weather is still warm, the prices are lower, and the crowds are smaller.
- Choose less touristy destinations: Greece has many popular and famous destinations that attract millions of visitors every year, such as Santorini, Mykonos, or Athens. However, Greece also has many less touristy and more authentic destinations that offer a different and more relaxing experience, such as Tinos, Milos, or Nafplio. You can choose some of the less touristy destinations in Greece, such as Karpathos, Lefkada, Pelion, or Hydra.
- Plan your days wisely: Another way to avoid the crowds and the heat in Greece is to plan your days wisely. You should visit the most popular and crowded places early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when the sun is less strong and the crowds are less dense. You should also avoid visiting these places on weekends or public holidays, when they are even more crowded. You should also book your tickets or reservations in advance, to avoid long queues or sold-out situations.
Conclusion
Greece is a wonderful country that offers ancient history, mythology, and culture. However, traveling to Greece in summer can be a sunny and relaxing experience. You can enjoy the white sand beaches, the blue sea water, and the island hopping. In this blog post, I shared with you a complete guide on how to travel to Greece in summer, including what to pack, where to go, what to do, and how to avoid the crowds and the heat. I hope you enjoyed reading this blog post and learned something new and useful. If you have any questions, comments, or feedback, please feel free to leave them below. I would love to hear from you and help you with your travel needs. Thank you for choosing me as your trusted source of information and advice on traveling to Greece. Have a wonderful day! 😊
