Greece Holidays

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OVERVIEW

Greece is known as much for its mythology and tales of the gods as it is for being one of Europe's great culinary destinations. Whether you're travelling with family or as a couple, it makes for a holiday that's equal parts cultural and genuinely relaxing. Between its storied history, well-preserved ruins, crystal-clear water and long coastline, it's easy to see why Greece keeps landing on people's must-see lists. Mythology fans gravitate toward Santorini, where legend places the lost city of Atlantis. The island's whitewashed towns and blue-domed churches greet you at every turn, alongside the historic sites around Oia and the cliffs of the Cyclades. Don't skip the red sand beach near the Akrotiri archaeological site either — it's one of the island's quieter highlights. Quintrip's handpicked accommodation options make it easy to settle in properly during your stay.

Greek cuisine, sometimes called the mother of European cooking, is very much part of the experience. Tuck into kebabs at a local taverna, paired with retsina — reportedly Odysseus's drink of choice. Wine here is traditionally poured straight from the barrel, so it's worth pacing yourself. Try Melitzana, a hearty vegetable dish, or Saganaki Feta, tomatoes cooked with feta in its own particular style.

Between rugged mainland hills and hundreds of islands scattered across the eastern Mediterranean, Greece brings together sun, sea and nature in equal measure. The beaches offer plenty of straightforward relaxation, while the mountainous interior shelters wild, largely untouched landscapes perfect for a proper hike.
During a Greece holiday, the monasteries perched on towering granite formations — shaped over centuries by wind and rain — are well worth the detour. Their setting alone makes these six monasteries an unforgettable stop, pulling you into a pocket of real stillness in the heart of mainland Greece.

At a glance          Must-Do things          Must-See places         Must-Try food          Must-Pack          Other things to know          Greece special deals

Our Greece travel expert says:
"Greece genuinely ranks among Europe's most captivating countries to visit. Between its varied landscape and unmatched historical weight, it delivers one memorable moment after another. From the busy streets of Athens to the quiet charm of the Cyclades and the deep history of Crete, there's something worth discovering at every turn."

Greece at a glance

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Language

Greek

Capital City

Athens

Winter Average

13°C

Summer Average

29°C

Time Zone

GMT+2

5 Must-Do things

in Greece

Mainland Greece and its islands hold striking cities, picture-perfect villages, historic landmarks, idyllic beaches and plenty of natural wonders. Here's a look at some of the best of Greece to help shape your ideal holiday.
Visit the Meteora Monasteries
This one destination could justify a trip to Greece on its own. The Meteora monasteries, perched on towering rock formations, look almost too surreal to be real. Six of them are open to visitors today, each reached by steps carved straight into the rock.
Explore the Vikos Gorge
Set in the northern Epirus region, Vikos Gorge sits within Vikos National Park. There's no archaeological site here, just nature at its rawest — among the deepest gorges in the world, taking in the Aristi, Monodendri and Papingo canyons and their striking scenery.
Visit the Ionian Islands
The Ionian Islands are another archipelago well worth seeing in Greece. The scenery here is a different flavour to the Cyclades, but no less charming. Corfu, Lefkada, Zakynthos and Kefalonia all bring dreamlike beaches, clear water and lush greenery to the table.
Hiking in Greece
Around 80% of Greece is mountainous, with more than 40 ranges rising above 2,000 metres — which makes for genuinely excellent hiking. Choose between coastal or inland routes, some offering sweeping 360-degree views from island peaks. With its mild Mediterranean climate, Greece works well for hiking year-round, especially through spring, autumn and even winter.
Canyoning in Greece
Greece holds more than 150 gorges waiting to be explored. Whether you're after a family-friendly outing or something more demanding with an expert guide, the landscapes around these gorges are consistently striking. Carved by glacial waters millions of years ago, they now rank among Europe's most spectacular scenery.

Must-See places

in Greece

A trip to Greece is an invitation to dig into serious history against a backdrop of genuinely stunning landscapes. With this much to see and do, Greece tends to exceed expectations.
Visit Athens
Athens, one of the oldest cities in the world, brings ancient monuments and modern city life together in a way few places manage. Whether history or contemporary culture draws you in, Athens has a way of winning people over.
Peloponnese
The Peloponnese, a peninsula west of Athens, ranks among Greece's most beautiful regions. Thick with historical ruins and cultural landmarks, it's a genuine trove of ancient civilisations that have left their mark over thousands of years.
Corfu

Corfu's lush coastline, sparkling bays, charming villages, historic sites and golden beaches make it a longtime favourite among European travellers. Legend has it this is also where Ulysses sheltered from storms, adding a mythical edge to its appeal.
Visit Delphi
Delphi, not far from Athens, is steeped in both history and mythology. Alongside Olympia and Athens, it's a genuine must-visit in Greece. In ancient times, the Temple of Apollo at Delphi was where oracles were consulted, making it pivotal to Greek history.
Crete island
Crete, the second-largest island in the Mediterranean after Cyprus, is a genuine must-visit in Greece. Its mild climate, varied landscapes and beautiful beaches bring together striking mountain views and coastal retreats in one unforgettable stretch of any Greek trip.

Must-Try food

in Greece

Greek cuisine sits at the heart of the Mediterranean diet, recognised worldwide for its nutritional value. It reflects Mediterranean traditions of sharing, hospitality and togetherness. Full of vibrant, flavourful vegetables and fragrant herbs, Greek dishes are typically finished with quality olive oil, turning every meal into something worth savouring.
Horiatiki, the Greek Salad
The Greek salad is a genuine staple, found at tables right across the country. Loved well beyond Greece's borders, it still tastes noticeably different — and better — when eaten on home ground. Sun-ripened tomatoes and peppers, fresh feta straight from the source, plump black olives, crisp cucumber and sweet onion, all lifted by fragrant herbs, come together into something genuinely memorable.
This classic Greek salad makes a fitting starter during a Greece holiday, and a genuine part of the culinary experience.
Moussaka
Moussaka is a firm favourite in Greek cooking, a gratin built from layers of eggplant and minced beef, finished with a creamy béchamel top. It's one of the country's most iconic dishes, though more often made at home than found on restaurant menus.
This comforting dish is well worth seeking out during a Greece holiday — a rich, satisfying gratin and a genuine taste of Greek tradition.
Dolmadakia
Dolmadakia bring together finesse, lightness and flavour in one dish. These delicate vine leaves, filled with rice and seasoned with olive oil, tomato, onion, mint and dill, are a Mediterranean favourite enjoyed across both Greece and Turkey.
Dolmadakia is a highlight of any Quintrip holiday to Greece. If you've spent time in Greece or Turkey before, this flavourful specialty will likely be familiar.

Must-Pack

for Greece

Wherever your Greek adventure takes you, the planning starts well before you land. Shape your ideal holiday around the cities, islands and excursions that appeal, settle on how you'll get around, and pack the essentials.
Holiday packages and Vacation Special Deals with Quintrip, South African Travel Agency based in Johannesburg.

Adapter Plug

A universal adapter compatible with Greek electrical outlets is worth packing ahead of your trip.


Reef-Friendly Sunscreen & Insect Repellent

SPF 30 or higher helps prevent sunburn and protects Greece's coral reefs at the same time.


Swimsuit

Whether swimming, diving or simply relaxing on the beach, a swimsuit earns its place in the bag.


Sunglasses

The Mediterranean sun stays bright for most of the day, so a solid pair of sunglasses is worth bringing along.


Backpack

A small backpack comes in handy for day-trip essentials while you explore Greece's landscapes.


Raincoat

A raincoat is a good call too, especially if hiking or exploring Greece's dramatic natural scenery is on the agenda.

Other things to know about Greece before you go

Visa requirements for Greece depend on your nationality, so check well ahead of your trip. Some countries also require passports to remain valid for 3 to 6 months beyond your travel dates, and a yellow fever vaccination may be needed for entry — confirm all requirements before booking.

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Take a look at our selection of Greece holiday packages

Holiday Packages Greece

Places to visit in Greece

Why would you go on holidays in Greece?

Picture azure skies, turquoise seas, islands scattered with white-and-blue buildings, and ancient cities layered with history. Welcome to Greece, the land of the gods, where the journey takes you through one striking site and calm beach after another.

A Greece holiday is built around relaxation and discovery in equal measure. From the whitewashed villas of the Cyclades to the ancient myth of Crete's Minotaur, Greece delivers experiences that stay with you. Add in the warmth of the locals and genuinely good food, and it's a proper change of scenery.

Athens, wrapped by the Aegean Sea, tells its story through its ancient monuments. A visit to the Acropolis is close to essential — climb the hill and take in the Parthenon, a defining piece of Greek architecture.

Island-hopping through the Dodecanese archipelago is a highlight of any Greece holiday. Each island has its own character. Rhodes, the largest, is known for its relaxed pace and medieval walled city. From there, continue on through Symi, Karpathos and Patmos, before finishing at Kos, with its picture-perfect bays and turquoise water.

The town of Mystra, in the southeastern Peloponnese, holds a genuine trove of Byzantine history. Built at the foot of a castle, it's home to several religious buildings — don't miss Villehardouin's fortress, the Palace of the Despot, and the Panthalassa Monastery. The climb to the summit is rewarded with sweeping views over the valley below.

Greece's legacy as the birthplace of tragedy and democracy is hard to overstate. Between ancient sites, mythological monuments, charming towns and striking beaches, there's a genuine blend of history, myth and natural beauty here — from the haze over Athens to the sun-drenched islands. Add the sea and the light, and it's easy to see why Greece holidays leave such a lasting impression, whether you're at a beachfront bar or tucked away on a quiet beach.

A Greece holiday feels a bit like stepping into a living museum, with its well-preserved archaeological sites, striking landscapes and genuine cultural depth. It brings together a warm welcome, turquoise water, island scenery and sweeping views — more an immersion in centuries-old tradition than a standard vacation.

Tourism in Greece holds plenty of surprises — Mykonos, striking beaches, quiet islands and imposing mountains among them. Whether history or relaxation draws you more, planning starts with choosing a destination. Mainland or islands? Beach time or historical sites? A retreat into monastic life on Mount Athos, or a quiet stay on an Aegean island? Let the direction of the sun help guide the decision.

Greece brings to mind gods, goddesses and ancient temples, but there's more to it than that — genuine local cuisine, unspoiled natural surroundings, and locals who are consistently warm and happy to share their customs. Quintrip offers a range of Greece holidays built around exactly this kind of discovery.

Greece's Mediterranean climate means hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters. Even in winter, Athens rarely dips below 10°C, while summer can easily reach 35–40°C. With a Quintrip Greece holiday, there's always a way to cool off when you need it.

Getting around Greece is straightforward, with plenty of options available. In cities like Athens and Thessaloniki, walking, cycling or scooters all work well, and a solid bus network reaches even the more remote corners of the country. For more independence, renting a car is an easy option. Heading to the islands usually means a domestic flight, though prices tend to climb over summer, or travelling by boat, which comes with the added bonus of taking in the scenery from an open deck.

Start your Greek adventure in Athens, a city steeped in history with a genuinely distinct identity built from the mix of ancient and modern architecture. Wander its streets to find temples, theatres, art galleries and landmarks like the Acropolis, the Panathenaic Stadium and the Agora.

Greece and its islands bring ancient history and modern life together seamlessly. The deeper you explore, the more it's clear that ancient Greece is still very much alive in its culture and landscapes. Travellers keep coming back for the promise of discovery — gentle blue seas, striking beaches, welcoming locals and consistently good food.

Explore Greece at your own pace, from Rhodes to Santorini, Heraklion to Corfu, whether on a guided tour, a self-drive route or a cruise. Don't leave the essentials of the trip to chance — get in touch to start planning your Greece holiday today.