Greece Travel Guide

– A Complete Journey Through the Land of Myths, Islands and Ancient Glory

Greece, one of the world’s oldest and most culturally influential civilizations, stands as a timeless blend of turquoise seas, ancient ruins, charming white-washed villages, Mediterranean cuisine, and warm hospitality. Known as the birthplace of democracy, Western philosophy, theatre, and the Olympic Games, Greece invites travellers into a world of classical history, island magic, mountainous landscapes, romantic sunsets, and seaside tranquillity. From the ancient wonders of Athens to the volcanic cliffs of Santorini, from the cosmopolitan rhythms of Mykonos to the emerald forests of Crete, and from the monasteries of Meteora to the beaches of Zakynthos—Greece is a destination that inspires imagination and creates unforgettable memories.

This comprehensive and research-driven guide presents the essential highlights of Greece, important distances, transportation networks, visa procedures for Indian travellers, travel routes from Kolkata or Delhi, accommodation options, and the best time to explore this captivating Mediterranean country.

Overview of Greece

Greece is located in Southeastern Europe and is surrounded by the Aegean Sea, Ionian Sea, and Mediterranean Sea. Its unique geography includes:

• Mainland Greece (Athens, Delphi, Meteora)
• Peloponnese Peninsula
• Aegean Islands (Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros)
• Ionian Islands (Corfu, Zakynthos, Kefalonia)
• Crete – Greece’s largest island

Greece’s ancient past blends seamlessly with its modern lifestyle, offering travellers a rich cultural and scenic experience. The country is blessed with warm weather, clean air, clear waters, and world-class hospitality making it a favourite for travellers worldwide.

Major Attractions in Greece

From ancient sites to breathtaking islands, Greece presents a diverse range of attractions.

1. Athens – Birthplace of Western Civilization

Athens is a city where ancient ruins rise above modern avenues. It is the beating heart of Greek mythology, philosophy, and architecture.

Main Attractions:

• Acropolis & Parthenon
• Temple of Olympian Zeus
• Panathenaic Stadium
• Ancient Agora
• Acropolis Museum
• Plaka Old Town

Distances:

• Athens to Delphi – 182 km
• Athens to Meteora – 350 km
• Athens to Corinth – 82 km

2. Santorini – Greece’s Most Iconic Island

Santorini is famed for its whitewashed houses, blue-domed churches, volcanic cliffs, and unforgettable sunsets. It is one of the most romantic destinations in the world.

Main Attractions:

• Oia Village
• Fira Town
• Red Beach
• Black Sand Beach
• Santorini Caldera Cruise

Distances:

• Athens to Santorini (flight) – approx. 45 minutes
• Athens to Santorini (ferry) – approx. 5 hours

3. Mykonos – Island of Windmills and Nightlife

Mykonos is Greece’s cosmopolitan paradise, known for its golden beaches, charming alleys, windmills, and vibrant nightlife.

Main Attractions:

• Little Venice
• Mykonos Windmills
• Paradise Beach
• Platis Gialos

Distances:

• Athens to Mykonos (flight) – approx. 40 minutes
• Athens to Mykonos (ferry) – approx. 3–4 hours

4. Crete – Greece’s Largest Island

Crete is filled with ancient palaces, rugged mountains, pink-sand beaches, deep gorges, and charming seaside villages.

Main Attractions:

• Knossos Palace
• Elafonissi Pink Beach
• Samaria Gorge
• Heraklion Archaeological Museum

Distances:

• Athens to Crete (Heraklion) – 320 km (flight approx. 1 hour)
• Crete to Santorini – approx. 150 km

5. Meteora – Monasteries Suspended in Air

Meteora is a geological and spiritual wonder—towering rock formations topped with ancient monasteries.

Main Attractions:

• Monastery of Great Meteoron
• Monastery of Varlaam
• Meteora Sunset Viewpoint

Distances:

• Athens to Meteora – 350 km

6. Thessaloniki – Cultural Capital of Northern Greece

Thessaloniki is known for its Byzantine churches, sea promenades, youthful energy, and gastronomic heritage.

Main Attractions:

• White Tower
• Aristotelous Square
• Rotunda
• Waterfront Promenade

Distances:

• Thessaloniki to Athens – 500 km
• Thessaloniki to Halkidiki – 60 km

How to Reach Greece from India

The main international gateways to Greece are:

• Athens International Airport (ATH)
• Thessaloniki Airport (SKG)
• Santorini, Mykonos, Heraklion (domestic + seasonal international)

From Kolkata

• Kolkata → Delhi → Athens
• Kolkata → Mumbai → Athens
• Kolkata → Doha / Dubai / Abu Dhabi → Athens
• Kolkata → Istanbul → Athens

From Delhi

• Delhi → Istanbul → Athens
• Delhi → Dubai / Doha → Athens
• Delhi → Zurich / Frankfurt → Athens

Average travel time ranges between 10–15 hours depending on flight connections.

Greece Visa Guide for Indian Travellers

Greece is part of the Schengen Area. Indian passport holders require a Schengen Tourist Visa (Category C) to visit.

Documents Required

• Valid Indian passport (minimum 6 months validity)
• Visa application form
• Recent passport-size photographs
• Round-trip flight ticket
• Hotel booking or accommodation proof
• Travel medical insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage)
• 6 months bank statements
• Income tax returns
• Employment / Business documents
• Detailed travel itinerary

Where to Apply – Greece Visa Office (VFS Global)

Greece Visa Application Centre – New Delhi
VFS Global Greece Visa Centre, International Trade Tower, Nehru Place, New Delhi

Other VFS centres for Greece: Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Pune, Ahmedabad, Chandigarh.

Visa Processing Time

• Average processing: 10–15 working days
• Peak travel season: up to 30 days

Transportation System in Greece

Greece offers a well-connected transportation network across its mainland and islands.

Mainland Travel

• Intercity trains (OSE Railway)
• Highway buses connecting major regions
• Domestic flights from Athens to major islands

Island Travel

• Ferries and high-speed boats
• Seasonal flights to popular islands
• Local buses & taxis

Accommodation Options in Greece

Greece provides a wide variety of accommodation types suitable for every kind of traveller. No contact numbers are included, as instructed.

Athens

• Luxury hotels near Syntagma Square
• Rooftop Acropolis-view boutique hotels
• Modern city stays in Plaka & Monastiraki

Santorini

• Caldera-view cave hotels
• Private pool suites in Oia
• Beach resorts in Kamari & Perissa

Mykonos

• Beachfront resorts
• Windmill-view boutique inns
• Luxury seaside villas

Crete

• Sea-facing resorts
• Eco-lodges in mountainous areas
• Heritage-style hotels

Zakynthos, Rhodes & Corfu

• Beachfront resorts
• Family hotels
• Boutique stays with sea views

Best Time to Visit Greece

1. Spring (April–June)

Pleasant weather, blooming landscapes, fewer crowds—ideal for sightseeing.

2. Summer (July–September)

Perfect for island hopping, beaches, water activities, and nightlife.

3. Autumn (October–November)

Mild temperatures, scenic sunsets, and a calm environment.

4. Winter (December–March)

Ideal for Athens, Delphi, and mainland tours; islands remain quieter.

Suggested 10-Day Greece Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Athens – Explore Plaka
Day 2: Acropolis, Ancient Agora, Museum
Day 3: Day trip to Delphi
Day 4: Ferry/flight to Mykonos – Beaches & Town
Day 5: Mykonos Island Tour
Day 6: Travel to Santorini – Sunset in Oia
Day 7: Santorini Caldera Cruise
Day 8: Travel to Crete – Knossos Palace
Day 9: Elafonissi Beach / Gorge Tour
Day 10: Return to Athens – Departure

Conclusion

Greece is a country where mythology blends with modern life, where ancient temples stand beside turquoise seas, and where every island reveals new wonders. Whether you begin your journey from Kolkata or Delhi, the routes to Greece are smooth and well-connected. From Athens’ timeless monuments to Santorini’s sunsets, from Mykonos’ vibrant beaches to the mountain monasteries of Meteora, Greece offers an unforgettable experience filled with beauty, culture, and serenity.