10 Best Places in Greece to Travel for a Dreamy UK Escape
The best places in Greece to travel from the UK are Santorini, Crete, Mykonos, Rhodes, Corfu, Naxos, Milos, and Zakynthos for islands, and Athens and Meteora for mainland history and scenery.
The best places in Greece to travel from the UK span eight islands and two mainland destinations, covering every travel style. Whether you are looking for the best places to visit in Greece on a beach break or a two-week island-hop, the options are strong on every front. For romance and caldera views, Santorini. For families and beaches, Crete. For nightlife, Mykonos. For history, Athens and Meteora. These are also some of the best travel destinations in Greece that reward UK travellers on their first trip and on a return visit just as much.
Getting There & Entry Requirements
- Issued within the last 10 years
- Valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure date
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is expected to launch in Q4 2026. Verify current entry requirements before booking.
The Aegean shimmers at 26°C in September, Oia's sunset turns the caldera deep amber, and the monasteries at Meteora sit at the very edge of the sky. Greece rewards every kind of trip.
Before you travel, a Greece eSIM activated before departure keeps maps, ferry bookings, and transport apps running from the moment you land.
8 Best Islands in Greece for UK Travellers
Greece's islands divide into distinct groups. The Cyclades (Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos, Milos) sit in the Aegean and are connected by ferry from Piraeus, Athens's main port. Rafina, a secondary port east of Athens, serves some Cyclades routes and is worth checking, as it can save time. The Ionian Islands (Corfu, Zakynthos) lie off the western coast and can be connected most easily by direct flight from the UK. The Dodecanese (Rhodes) sit in the southeast. Stick to one island group per trip unless you have two weeks; crossing between groups almost always requires returning to Athens.
#1. Santorini
Santorini is widely regarded as the most picturesque Greek island in Europe, and the photographs do not oversell it. The whitewashed villages of Oia and Fira sit on the rim of a volcanic caldera, with cliffs rising up to 260 metres above the sea. The free caldera hike from Fira to Oia takes 3-4 hours and delivers the best views in the Cyclades. Akrotiri, Greece's answer to Pompeii, is one of the finest Minoan sites in the world. The island's Assyrtiko wine, grown in volcanic soil, is unlike anything produced elsewhere in Greece; the local wineries are worth a half-day visit for the tasting rooms alone.
Sea temperatures sit at 25-26°C in August. Direct seasonal flights from UK airports, including Gatwick and Manchester, take around 4 hours. Book caldera-view accommodation at least six months ahead for peak season.
#2. Crete
Crete is one of the best places to holiday in Greece for families and independent travellers alike. Greece's largest island runs for 260km from east to west, so a hire car is essential to see it properly. In the west, Chania's Venetian harbour and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)-listed old town are the main draws. Elafonissi Beach has pink-tinged sand from crushed coral and crystal-clear shallow water. In the centre, the Palace of Knossos is the most significant Minoan site in Greece. Cretan food is a destination in itself: dakos (rusk salads with tomatoes and feta), fresh grilled fish at harbour tavernas, and some of Greece's finest olive oil all reward a slower pace through the island.
Days hit 30-33°C in July and August. Direct flights from UK airports to Heraklion or Chania take around 4 hours. Allow at least five days; travellers who stay two nights consistently regret it.
#3. Mykonos
Mykonos is one of the best travel destinations in Greece for nightlife, beach clubs, and cosmopolitan energy. Little Venice, the windmills, and the old port deliver the iconic whitewashed postcard. The best beaches sit on the south coast: Paradise, Super Paradise, and Elia. Psarou is the glamour option with clear turquoise water and a well-established beach club scene. Fresh lobster pasta at a harbour restaurant in Mykonos Town is the meal most visitors mention on the way home.
June and September offer the full Mykonos experience at noticeably lower prices and a calmer pace. Direct seasonal flights from the UK take around 3.5 hours.
#4. Rhodes
Rhodes is one of the great places to go in Greece that consistently earns more than its reputation suggests. The UNESCO-listed medieval old town is the largest inhabited medieval walled city in Europe. The Palace of the Grand Master, the Street of the Knights, and the ancient acropolis of Lindos are the standouts. Beaches range from the calm west coast at Ixia to the clearer waters of Tsambika and Anthony Quinn Bay on the east. Meze plates at a taverna inside the old town walls are an easy evening well spent.
Days hit 29-31°C in summer with near-zero rainfall. Direct flights from the UK take around 4 hours. Rhodes is among the most affordable of the major Greek islands for food and accommodation, which makes it a strong value pick.
#5. Corfu
Corfu is one of the nicest places in Greece to visit for UK travellers who want lush green landscape, Venetian-influenced architecture, and a gentler pace than the Cyclades. The UNESCO-listed old town of Corfu is compact and walkable, with a Venetian fortress at each end of the old quarter. Paleokastritsa on the northwest coast combines turquoise coves with a clifftop monastery. Porto Timoni requires a short uphill walk and delivers a double-beach panorama from the clifftop that most visitors agree is worth the effort. A slow lunch of fresh grilled fish and cold Mythos at a harbour taverna in Kassiopi is the kind of afternoon Corfu does quietly and well.
Temperatures sit at 28-30°C in summer. Direct flights from UK airports take around 3.5 hours. Corfu has a strong resort and package infrastructure, which makes it one of the most reliable family picks in Greece.
#6. Naxos
Naxos is one of the best areas in Greece to visit for long sandy beaches, a relaxed local rhythm, and prices well below Mykonos or Santorini. Plaka Beach runs for 4km with shallow, calm water. The Portara, a giant marble doorway standing alone on a promontory at the entrance to Naxos Town, is one of the most striking ancient structures in the Cyclades. Inland mountain villages like Apiranthos reward a half-day drive and sit alongside some of the freshest local cheese and kitron liqueur produced anywhere in the islands.
The ferry from Piraeus to Naxos takes around 5-5.5 hours on a conventional Blue Star service, or around 3.5-4 hours on a high-speed SeaJets catamaran. Naxos also has a small domestic airport with connections from Athens.
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#7. Milos
Milos is one of the nicest places in Greece to visit for volcanic scenery, boat-accessible sea caves, and a genuinely local atmosphere away from the Cyclades mainstream. Sarakiniko Beach, carved from white pumice rock, looks like the surface of the moon at low tide. The Kleftiko sea caves on the southwest coast are accessible only by boat and represent the strongest single-day trip in the island group. The colourful syrmata boathouses of the fishing village of Klima are among the most photographed details in Greece. Fresh grilled fish at a taverna in Pollonia after a boat day is the natural end to a Milos afternoon.
The ferry from Piraeus to Milos takes around 5-7 hours on a conventional service, or around 3.5 hours on a high-speed catamaran. Milos also has a small domestic airport with connections from Athens.
#8. Zakynthos (Zante)
Zakynthos is one of the great places to go in Greece for UK families and couples who want a beach-first holiday with reliable package infrastructure and one of the most photographed beaches in the world. Navagio, also called Shipwreck Beach, is a rusted shipwreck on white pebbles inside a vertical limestone cove, accessible only by boat from the north coast. The south coast at Laganas Bay is a protected nesting ground for loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) from June to August; beach closures and speed restrictions apply at night to protect nesting sites. Zante Town's waterfront buzzes with tavernas and fresh seafood catches most evenings.
Temperatures sit at 28-30°C in summer. Direct flights from UK airports take around 3.5 hours.
2 Best Mainland Destinations in Greece
#9. Athens
Athens is the best area in Greece to visit for ancient history and the practical starting point for most island itineraries. The Acropolis now requires mandatory pre-booked timed entry; book at the official site etickets.culture.gr well in advance, as the 8 am slot sells out weeks ahead. The old combined archaeological ticket was phased out in 2025, so each site now needs an individual ticket. The Acropolis Museum at the base of the hill is one of the finest museums in Europe and requires no advance booking. The Plaka neighbourhood, the Central Market on Athinas Street, and the taverna-filled streets of Psirri reward the evening hours. A late dinner of slow-roasted lamb and retsina in a Monastiraki side street is Athens at its most straightforward and most enjoyable.
Direct flights from the UK to Athens International Airport take around 3.5 hours. Athens works well as a standalone two-night city trip or as a one to two-day stopover before heading to the islands.
#10. Meteora
Meteora is one of the best places in Greece to travel for scenery that has no equivalent anywhere else in Europe. Six active monasteries sit on top of near-vertical sandstone pillars rising hundreds of metres from the valley floor below. Four are reachable by road; the most dramatic perspectives come from the hiking trails that connect them, which take around 3-4 hours in total. The site holds UNESCO World Heritage status and is at its busiest in July and August. May and September offer the same scenery with far fewer tour groups and more manageable temperatures for the trails.
Meteora is not served by direct flights from the UK. The most practical route is a train from Athens to Kalambaka in around 4 hours, or a 4-5 hour drive. It combines naturally with one to two nights in Athens on either side.
When is the Best Time to Visit Greece?
The best time to visit Greece depends on what you are looking for, and the answer differs for islands versus the mainland.
All island facilities are open, ferry and flight schedules run at full capacity, and temperatures sit at a comfortable 24 to 28°C without the intensity of midsummer. June in particular offers full summer energy on the Cyclades with noticeably shorter queues and lower prices than peak season.
Temperatures on the southern islands and mainland regularly exceed 35°C. The Meltemi winds blow through the Cyclades from July onwards, which can cancel small high-speed ferries and create rough conditions on north-facing beaches. Prices for flights and caldera-view hotels in Santorini are at their highest. If you are booking July or August, six to nine months ahead is the realistic minimum for popular islands.
Sea temperatures remain at 25 to 27°C after months of summer warmth, crowds thin significantly from mid-month, and prices drop across most destinations. From mid-September onwards, the islands feel noticeably more local and relaxed.
What are the Best Things to Do in Greece?
The best things to do in Greece span every destination on this list, from the pre-booked to the completely unplanned.
A 3 to 4 hour walk along the crater rim, free to walk, and consistently rated the best walk in the Cyclades.
Best visited at 8 am before coach tours arrive. Europe's oldest city and one of the great archaeological sites in the Mediterranean.
The strongest single-day excursion in the island group. Accessible only by boat, with sea caves carved into dramatic white volcanic rock.
Connects all six active monasteries in around 3 to 4 hours. Among the most rewarding walks in mainland Greece.
Requires a pre-booked timed entry slot. Individual site tickets replaced the combined pass in 2025, so book direct through the official ticketing site.
The things to do in Greece beyond the landmarks are often the ones that stay with you longest: fresh grilled octopus at a harbour taverna, swimming off limestone cliffs at dusk, sitting on the deck of a Blue Star ferry between islands with a coffee as the light changes over the water.
Which Destination Is Right for You?
The best places in Greece for every style of UK holiday. From the caldera at sunset to the monasteries of the mainland, each destination earns its place on this list for a different reason.
Staying Connected in Greece
Getting around Greece is easy when your phone is working and frustrating when it is not. Ferry changes, hotel messages, map directions on island roads, and ride apps in Athens all depend on having data the moment you need it. That is why sorting your connection before departure makes such a difference.
An eSIM for Greece travel is the easiest way to do that. You install it before leaving the UK, land with data already working, and avoid airport SIM kiosks, physical SIM swaps, and roaming charges from your UK network. For a route that might take you from Athens to Santorini, then on to Naxos, Milos, or Crete, the best eSIM for Greece travel is the one that keeps working without extra setup.
Why Jetpac works well for Greece travel
WhatsApp, Google Maps, Uber, and Grab stay active even after your main data allowance is used. You can still message, navigate, and get around even if you hit your data cap.
Call landlines and non-WhatsApp numbers directly through the Jetpac app. Useful for hotels, ferry operators, local guides, restaurants, and transfers. Call packs start at USD 1.99 for 5 minutes.
Use one plan across multiple devices without extra sharing charges, whether that is your phone, laptop, tablet, or someone else travelling with you.
Jetpac uses transparent prepaid pricing with no hidden fees and can save up to 70% compared with international roaming charges.
One setup works across more than 200 destinations. If your Greece trip expands into Italy, Turkey, or another stop in Europe, you do not need to change SIMs.
Jetpac automatically connects to the strongest available local network, which helps when you are moving between islands, ports, cities, and quieter inland areas.
Where available, Jetpac connects to 5G, with fallback to strong 4G networks for dependable travel use.
A hassle-free refund on your Jetpac eSIM helps travellers feel more confident before the trip starts.
If your flight is delayed by more than 1 hour, Jetpac includes access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide. You need to register yourself and one travel companion at least 24 hours before departure.
Help is available through WhatsApp and email at any hour, wherever your trip takes you.
For Greece travel, the right eSIM for Greece is not just about data. It is about keeping maps, ferry bookings, messages, and transport working from the moment you land, while making sure an island-hopping trip stays simple and predictable.
FAQs
What are the best places in Greece to travel for first-time visitors from the UK?
Athens plus one or two islands is the strongest formula for a first trip. Crete and Naxos are the most consistently recommended islands for first-timers because both offer beaches, history, and enough size to explore without feeling rushed. Santorini suits couples prioritising views and romance; Rhodes suits those who want beach plus a serious medieval old town.
Best Places to Visit in Greece for First-Time Travellers?
Athens for the Acropolis and Plaka, Santorini for the caldera and sunsets, Crete for beaches, food, and the Palace of Knossos, and Rhodes for the medieval old town and value. Each is reachable from the UK on direct flights and can be combined into a two-week itinerary via Athens.
What is the best area in Greece to visit for beaches?
Naxos in the Cyclades has the best all-round beach offer for UK travellers: long sandy shores, shallow calm water, and noticeably lower prices than Mykonos or Santorini. Milos is the strongest pick for dramatic coastal scenery. Crete has the most variety of any single island.
What are the best travel destinations in Greece for a budget holiday?
Rhodes, Naxos, and Zakynthos consistently offer the best value among the major Greek islands. Crete is affordable if you base yourself outside the main resort towns. Mykonos is the most expensive island in Greece and best avoided if budget is a priority.
When is the Best Time to Visit Greece from the UK?
June and September are the sweet spots for UK travellers. June offers full summer weather with lower prices than July or August. September gives warm seas, thinner crowds, and noticeably cheaper accommodation across most islands. July and August are peak season with the highest prices and the strongest Meltemi winds in the Cyclades.
Do UK travellers need a visa for Greece?
No. British citizens do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days in Greece under Schengen rules. Your passport must have been issued within the last 10 years and be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure date. The 90-day allowance is shared across all Schengen countries. ETIAS pre-travel authorisation is expected to launch in Q4 2026; check the official EU website at travel-europe.europa.eu/etias before travelling once it goes live.
Disclaimer
This blog is for informational and educational purposes only. Prices, visa rules, entry requirements, ferry schedules, flight times, and travel conditions are based on publicly available information at the time of writing and are subject to change. Weather data and temperature ranges are historical averages and may vary. Acropolis ticketing rules, ferry schedules, and island opening seasons are subject to annual updates; always verify with official sources before booking. ETIAS is not yet live; do not apply through any unofficial website. Always check current FCDO travel advice at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/greece before travelling. Jetpac is not responsible for network variations, third-party data accuracy, or decisions made based on this content. No endorsement of any destination, airline, ferry operator, or third-party service is implied.
