Greece

Islands and ancient history

Greece's appeal rests on two pillars: thousands of years of history concentrated in Athens and beyond, and an archipelago of islands scattered across the Aegean and Ionian Seas. Santorini is the most photographed of these, its whitewashed villages perched on the rim of a volcanic caldera, but it is one of hundreds of islands with their own character.

Combining city and coast

Most itineraries pair a few days in Athens, taking in the Acropolis and the city's museums, with time on one or more islands; our Santorini & Athens itinerary follows this pattern. Travellers with more time often add a second island by ferry, choosing between the Cyclades' dramatic scenery and quieter island groups further from the main tourist routes. Greek cuisine, built around olive oil, seafood and produce from small island farms, is reason enough for many travellers to linger over long lunches between sightseeing. Our comparison of Santorini and the Amalfi Coast is useful for travellers weighing Greece against Italy for a Mediterranean island trip.

When to go

July and August bring the heaviest crowds and highest temperatures, along with the strongest Aegean winds known as the meltemi. May, June, September and October offer warm seas and comfortable weather with noticeably fewer visitors, making these shoulder months the best balance for most travellers. Ferries remain the main way to move between islands, and schedules thin out considerably outside the main season, which is worth checking well before finalising an island-hopping route.