Greece

Written By Alex Hall

Greece is easy to love: warm sea, simple food and a ferry for every island. I spent about three weeks there in summer 2025, covering Crete, Naxos, Athens and Mykonos, then came back in June 2026 for a few beach days on Zakynthos.

What I did

  • Spent five nights in Chania, Crete, near the beach and a walk from the Venetian harbor.

  • Moved along Crete's north coast to Rethymno, then Heraklion.

  • Took a fast ferry from Heraklion to Naxos.

  • Spent three nights in Athens in a neighborhood below the Acropolis.

  • Finished the island run in Mykonos, then took a ferry back to Piraeus.

  • Returned in June 2026 for four nights at a beach hotel in Tsilivi, Zakynthos.

Where to stay

  • Nea Chora, Chania: a local beach strip with fish tavernas, walkable to the old town.

  • Beachfront in Rethymno: a short walk to the old town and harbor.

  • Thiseio and Petralona, Athens: quiet streets, walkable to the Acropolis, Agora and Monastiraki.

  • Tsilivi, Zakynthos: calm water and an easy base, about 15 minutes from town.

Where I stayed

Getting there and around

  • Athens airport: metro line 3 or the X95 express bus to Syntagma, or a taxi.

  • Chania airport: about 25 to 30 minutes to town by taxi or bus.

  • Across Crete: KTEL buses run along the north coast between Chania, Rethymno and Heraklion, or rent a car.

  • Between islands: fast ferries from Piraeus, Rafina and Heraklion. Flights from Athens to Mykonos take about 40 minutes. If you have a flight the same day, leave buffer for port delays.

What to eat

  • Dakos, the Cretan barley rusk with tomato and cheese.

  • Souvlaki and gyros in Athens.

  • Grilled octopus at a harbor taverna.

  • Bougatsa for a Chania breakfast, and loukoumades for dessert.

What to drink

  • Wine: Crete has excellent local wines from grapes like Vidiano, Vilana and Kotsifali, and the Peza region near Heraklion is the easiest to visit for tastings. Assyrtiko from Santorini is the famous white, crisp and mineral, and it pairs perfectly with seafood.

  • Wine: Zakynthos has its own Verdea white, and Nemea on the mainland is known for Agiorgitiko reds.

  • Spirits: raki (tsikoudia) after dinner in Crete, often free with the check. Kitron on Naxos, a citron liqueur. Ouzo with ice and water, and Metaxa brandy.

  • Cocktails: an ouzo with lemon and soda on a harbor terrace, or a spritz at a beach bar in Mykonos.

  • Beer: Mythos, Alfa and Fix are the classics, and Greek craft beer is growing.

  • Coffee: a freddo espresso or freddo cappuccino in the summer heat. It is the national drink of the season.

Don't miss

  • The Acropolis at opening, then the Acropolis Museum.

  • The Venetian harbor in Chania at blue hour.

  • Balos and Elafonisi beaches in western Crete.

  • The Portara at sunset on Naxos.

  • Little Venice and the windmills in Mykonos.

  • Navagio and the Blue Caves by boat from Zakynthos.

Day trips and side trips

  • Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon from Athens.

  • Delphi from Athens.

  • Delos from Mykonos.

  • Knossos from Heraklion.

  • Samaria Gorge from Chania.

Festivals and events

  • Greek Orthodox Easter: across Greece, usually in April or May. Midnight candles, fireworks and lamb on the spit.

  • Clean Monday: across Greece, usually in February or March. Kite flying and picnics to open Lent.

  • Carnival in Patras and Rethymno: Patras and Crete, usually in February or March. The biggest carnival parades in Greece.

  • Athens and Epidaurus Festival: Athens, usually June to August. Theater and music in ancient venues.

  • Rockwave and Release Athens: Athens, usually June and July. Big international lineups in the capital.

  • Rethymno Wine Festival: Rethymno, Crete, usually in July. Wine tasting in the town park.

  • Mykonos beach club season: Mykonos, usually from June to September. House and EDM with international DJs at beach clubs and open air venues.

  • Dekapentavgoustos: across the islands, August 15. Religious processions and village parties.

  • Thessaloniki International Film Festival: Thessaloniki, usually in November. The country's top film event.

  • Ohi Day: across Greece, October 28. Parades and flags.

Music and dance

  • Rebetiko and bouzouki: the Greek blues, played in tavernas and music halls in Athens, especially around Plaka and Psyri.

  • Cretan lyra: traditional Cretan music, with dancing, in tavernas in Chania and Rethymno.

  • Electronic: Mykonos has world famous DJ sets in summer, with Athens clubs running through the season.

  • Syrtaki and folk dance: the famous line dance, taught in classes in Athens and danced in tavernas. Cretan pentozali is the island's energetic dance, often shown at lyra nights.

Photography spots

  • Chania harbor: blue hour, or sunrise when it is empty.

  • Athens: the Acropolis from Filopappou Hill at sunset.

  • Naxos: the Portara at sunset.

  • Mykonos: Little Venice and the windmills at golden hour.

  • Drones: follow EU rules, and sites like the Acropolis and Delos are restricted.

My experience

Greece moved at an easy pace. Crete felt local and relaxed, Athens felt alive, and the islands were about water and long lunches. I would recommend it to anyone who likes beaches, history and a loose itinerary with ferries. The wine and the raki were a highlight too.

Cost of living

  • Overall: Athens and Chania: $$$, about 25% cheaper than New York. Mykonos and Santorini in summer run much higher.

  • Coffee: about $4

  • Local lunch: about $12

  • Dinner for two at a nice restaurant: about $80

  • Beer or cocktail: about $6 / $13

  • Ride across town: about $10

  • Mid-range hotel: about $140 a night

  • Furnished one-bedroom in a good area: about $1,000 a month in Athens' Koukaki, $800 in Chania

  • Daily budget: about $80 budget, $160 comfortable, $350+ luxury in Athens, similar in Chania outside peak summer

Athens and Crete are good value, with great food at fair prices. The islands, especially Mykonos in July and August, cost far more, so budget accordingly. Prices are approximate in US dollars as of 2026.

Working remotely

  • Wi-Fi: Good in Athens and larger towns, often 50 to 200 Mbps. Island speeds vary, so ask your host. Power cuts are uncommon.

  • Coworking and cafes: Athens is the main nomad base, with Impact Hub Athens and cafes in Koukaki, Pangrati and Exarchia. Chania in Crete is a popular beach town base with a steady remote crowd, and Thessaloniki is a cheaper, lively city.

  • Time zone: UTC+2, 7 hours ahead of US Eastern (6 hours for a couple of weeks around the daylight saving changes).

  • Visa for longer stays: US citizens get 90 days in any 180 across the Schengen Area. Greece has a Digital Nomad Visa for remote workers who meet an income requirement. Check current rules.

  • Nomad rating: 4 out of 5. Great weather, food and island life, with good internet in the main hubs.

Good to know

  • Language: Greek. English is widely spoken in tourist areas.

  • Currency: Euro. Cards work in cities, but carry some cash for islands, kiosks and small tavernas.

  • Plugs: Type C and F, 230V.

  • Entry for US citizens: Greece is in Schengen and US citizens can visit visa-free for short stays. Check current rules.

  • Best time to visit: May to June and September to early October. July and August are hot and crowded, and the meltemi wind can make ferries rough.

  • Getting around: Fast ferries link the islands. Uber works in Athens and books licensed taxis. FreeNow is the other main taxi app.

  • Apps: Uber and FreeNow for rides. efood, Wolt and Box for food.

  • SIM/eSIM: An EU eSIM from Airalo or Holafly is easy. Local networks are Cosmote, Vodafone and Nova.

  • Water: Tap water in Athens is generally safe. On many islands locals drink bottled water, so do the same.

  • Tipping: Not required. Round up or leave 5 to 10 percent for good service, ideally in cash.

Useful phrases

  • Hello: Yia sas (formal) or Yia sou (casual)

  • Thank you: Efharisto

  • Please: Parakalo

  • How much?: Poso kani?

  • The check, please: To logariasmo, parakalo

Nightlife

Greek nights start late and stay social. Locals linger over a long taverna dinner, then move to a bar or a beach club, and on the islands it can run until dawn. Mykonos is a full party island, while most other places are relaxed and drink focused. It feels dressier and later than most US nights out.

  • When people go out: Dinner is at 9 or 10 pm, bars fill after 11, and clubs and beach clubs peak around 1 am. On Mykonos nights run until sunrise. Weekends are busiest, and July and August are the peak.

  • Where the action is: On Mykonos, Mykonos Town and the Paradise and Paraga beaches are the center. In Athens, Psyri, Koukaki and Gazi have the best bars, and rooftops face the Acropolis. Naxos Town has a relaxed waterfront scene.

  • The music: Greek pop and bouzouki mixed with house, plus DJs and live music at island beach bars.

  • Good to know: Mykonos beach clubs charge a lot for tables and drinks, while bar prices elsewhere are moderate. Dress smart casual, since island nights are dressier than you might expect. Never leave a drink unattended, and agree on a taxi fare in advance or use the official stand.

Meeting people

  • Social scene: Greeks are generally warm and chatty, and the social scene runs through cafes, tavernas and beaches. In Athens, Koukaki and Exarchia are good for meeting people, and island hostels and beach bars work well in summer.

  • Apps: Tinder, Bumble and Hinge are used, and Facebook groups and Meetup events help in Athens.

  • Etiquette: A handshake or a friendly hello is normal. Time is relaxed and dinners start late. Food is shared and the bill is often split or taken by one person.

  • Stay smart: Meet in public places, watch your drink, and be careful with tourist bars on the islands that quote prices only after you order.

Staying safe

  • Watch for pickpockets on the Athens metro, especially the airport line and Monastiraki.

  • Be careful on scooters and ATVs on island roads. Wear a helmet and ride slowly.

  • Use sunscreen and carry water in summer. Midday heat is strong.

Alex Hall
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