The Acropolis, whitewashed islands, crystal Aegean water and some of the cheapest good food in Europe. Greece is the UK's go-to Mediterranean island holiday.
Around 4.5 million Brits fly to Greece every year, making it one of the top four European destinations. The summer season is long — May through October — and the food is excellent value (a mezze spread and half-litre of wine for two is often under €30).
The variety is the real story. Athens for the Acropolis and souvlaki joints. Santorini for honeymoons and calderas. Crete for the longest coastline and walkable gorges. Rhodes for medieval Old Town. Mykonos for parties. Corfu and Zakynthos for family packages. Paros and Naxos for the classic Cycladic white-cube villages without the Mykonos price tag.
Most UK travellers land at Athens then hop by ferry or domestic flight. Direct charter flights also serve Crete (Heraklion, Chania), Rhodes, Kos, Corfu, Zakynthos and Santorini from most UK airports May–October.
Most Greece flights are seasonal — May to October is peak for the islands. Athens runs year-round.
| Visa (UK passport) | No visa required. Schengen — up to 90 days in any 180-day period. |
|---|---|
| Currency | Euro (EUR, €). Cards accepted in cities; cash preferred on smaller islands and tavernas. |
| Time zone | EET (UTC+2) / EEST (UTC+3 summer) — two hours ahead of the UK. |
| Language | Greek. English very widely spoken in tourist areas. |
| Best months | May–June and September–October. July–August hot and packed on islands. |
| Flight times from UK | ATH 3h 35m · HER 4h 10m · JTR 4h 0m · RHO 4h 0m · CFU 3h 15m |
| Plug type | Type C/F (European two-pin). UK adaptor needed. |
| Island hopping | Ferries from Piraeus (Athens port). Book via Ferryhopper or Direct Ferries. |
Late May to early July, and September, are the best — sea is warm, tavernas are open, and islands aren't overrun. August is the hottest (35°C+) and most expensive month, when Athenians decamp en masse to the islands. Winter is fine for Athens and Crete; most islands largely shut down.
Warm sea, long days, islands in full swing.
Cooler but quieter. Good prices, some rain possible.
Hot, expensive, ferries packed, Mykonos/Santorini rammed.
No. UK passport holders can visit Greece visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period under Schengen rules.
The euro (€). Cards are accepted in cities and resorts, but bring cash for small island tavernas, taxis and markets. ATMs are widespread.
June and September for warm sea without August crowds. May and October for city breaks and culture. Avoid August if you don't love heat and packed beaches.
London to Athens is 3h 35m. Crete (Heraklion) 4h 10m, Santorini 4h 0m, Rhodes 4h 0m, Corfu 3h 15m, Zakynthos 3h 30m.
London Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted and Luton fly year-round to Athens. Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Bristol, Glasgow, Newcastle and East Midlands all have summer charter flights to the islands via Jet2, TUI and easyJet.
Yes — fly into Athens and ferry out from Piraeus port. Popular hops include Mykonos–Santorini (3 hours by high-speed ferry) or Paros–Naxos (40 minutes). Allow 2–3 nights per island minimum.