Greece combines ancient sites such as the Acropolis and Delphi with hundreds of islands, each with its own character. Most transatlantic travellers fly into Athens and continue by domestic flight or ferry to the islands, or fly directly to Crete or the Cyclades in summer.
Airports
| ATH | Athens International Airport |
|---|---|
| JTR | Santorini (Thira) Airport |
| JMK | Mykonos Airport |
| HER | Heraklion Airport, Crete |
Best time to go
May, June, September and early October are warm and less crowded than the July and August peak. Many island hotels and some ferry routes run a reduced schedule from November to March.
Getting there
Nonstop flights from New York to Athens take about 9½ to 10 hours; from other US cities you usually connect in a European hub. Ferries from Piraeus and Rafina, near Athens, serve most islands.
Tips before you book
- Greece is in the Schengen Area: check the current entry rules, including the EU Entry/Exit System and the planned ETIAS travel authorisation, before you go.
- Leave a generous gap between an international arrival and an island ferry or flight.
- Island-hopping tickets on small aircraft often have lower baggage limits.
Flight times are typical nonstop times and vary by airline, aircraft and season. Entry rules and airport information can change; check official sources before you travel.