Santorini’s caldera views, Athens’ ancient ruins, and Crete’s beaches are three places you can’t skip in Greece. Each offers iconic scenery or history plus easy transit connections. Don’t miss Meteora’s surreal monasteries if you want something different.
Cheapest Time to Fly to Greece: Your In-Depth Guide
The cheapest time to fly to Greece is usually late fall through early spring, especially November, January, and February. Most years, I find roundtrip flights from New York or Toronto to Athens drop to $400-$550 during these months, compared to $1100+ in July or August. If you’re flexible, use the low-fare calendar on Travorio to spot deals and set alerts. Airlines like Emirates, Lufthansa, and Air Canada often run promos in November and February, which can save you hundreds. Weekdays (Tuesday or Wednesday departures) are almost always cheaper, and flying into Athens (ATH) or sometimes Thessaloniki (SKG) gives you the most options.
Greece feels like a different country depending on when you visit. I’ve spent time in both the peak summer crowds and the mellow off-season. The trick is matching flight deals with what you want: empty ruins, wildflower-strewn islands, or a packed party scene. In this guide, I’ll break down the best months to fly, how to find cheap flights to Greece, my favorite cities and hidden gems, and how to use Travorio’s payment options, including crypto or buy now, pay later, to spread out costs.
Top Cities and Destinations in Greece
Athens is usually every traveler’s first stop, and for good reason. The Acropolis is dramatic at sunset, but I’d argue the real magic happens in the Plaka district, where you can grab a €3.50 souvlaki at Kostas and wander alleys lined with blooming bougainvillea. Don’t skip the National Archaeological Museum, it’s open late on Mondays and holds the world’s best ancient Greek art collection. If you’re into nightlife, Gazi is packed with bars that stay open past 3 AM.
Santorini is what most people picture when they dream about Greece: whitewashed houses, blue domes, and caldera sunsets. Oia is the famous photo spot, but I loved Pyrgos for fewer crowds and the best moussaka at Penelope’s. Flights from Athens to Santorini take just 45 minutes, and in shoulder season (April, October), you’ll find rooms at Hotel Galini for $85/night instead of $250+ in July.
Crete is the country’s largest island and feels like its own mini-nation. Chania’s Venetian harbor is perfect for lazy strolls, and the Samaria Gorge hike (13 km, open May-October) is pure adventure. Heraklion has the ruins of Knossos, Europe’s oldest city, and direct flights from major European hubs like London, Paris, and Frankfurt. Car rentals start at $28/day for a Fiat Panda, and you’ll want wheels to hit Elafonissi’s pink sand beach.
Thessaloniki, Greece’s second city, is the spot for foodies. I still dream about the bougatsa pastry at Estrella World Street Food (€2.80). The city’s waterfront is buzzing at night, and you’re only 90 minutes by bus to Mount Olympus if you want to hike. Flights from Germany and Austria often land here for under $200 roundtrip in March.
Hidden Gems in Greece
Nafplio is my pick for the prettiest small town in mainland Greece. About two hours southwest of Athens by bus (€13, five daily departures), it has Venetian castles, neoclassical mansions, and a seafront promenade. I loved sipping coffee at 3Sixty Cafe and watching the sunset over Bourtzi Fortress from the Arvanitia path. Most international travelers skip it, but Greeks flock here for weekend getaways.
Ikaria is an island with a reputation for longevity, locals regularly live past 90, and zero party scene. Ferries from Piraeus take 7-8 hours, so it’s not for a quick trip, but I found the beaches at Seychelles and the hot springs at Therma absolutely worth the journey. Rooms at Oinoomageiremata guesthouse were just $42/night in early June.
Zagori, in northwestern Greece, is a region of stone villages perched above the Vikos Gorge, Europe’s deepest canyon. The stone bridges and cobbled lanes in villages like Papingo and Monodendri feel untouched by mass tourism. Summer is great for hiking, but try September for cooler weather and fewer hikers. From Ioannina, you can rent a car for $30/day and reach Zagori in about an hour.
Syros is often overlooked for Mykonos or Paros, but its capital Ermoupoli is a stunner. Ferries from Athens take about 3.5 hours and start at €32. You get neoclassical mansions, great bakeries (don’t miss loukoumia at Syrou Melikraton), and a real city vibe, not just a beach resort. The Apollo Theater sometimes hosts opera and jazz concerts, which is something you won’t find on most Greek islands.
Best Time to Visit Greece
Greece’s high season runs from mid-June to early September. That’s when flights and hotels cost the most, especially July and August. For example, in mid-July, roundtrip flights from Chicago to Athens with Delta or Lufthansa typically hit $1150-$1450, and a three-star room on Santorini jumps to $280+ per night. The upside is every island is buzzing, all ferries and flights operate daily, and you’re almost guaranteed sunny skies (average highs in Athens hit 92°F/33°C).
Shoulder seasons, April to early June and September to October, give you the best balance of price, weather, and crowds. I got a $498 roundtrip on Swiss from Montreal to Athens in late April; in May, ferries run on regular schedules but beaches are less crowded and wildflowers are everywhere. September is my favorite month: the sea is still warm from summer, but rates drop fast (Santorini hotels fall back to $98-$120/night) and flights from New York can be found for $520-$600.
Low season is November to March. This is when you’ll find the cheapest flights to Greece. For example, Emirates often runs NYC-Athens roundtrips for $410 in February. Hotels in Athens start at $47/night, and you might have the Acropolis almost to yourself, but many island resorts shut down and ferry schedules are limited. The upside is cities like Athens and Thessaloniki come alive with local life, and it’s perfect for food, museums, and café culture. Some islands, like Crete and Rhodes, stay active year-round. Daytime highs in Athens hover around 55°F (13°C) in January.
Each month offers something different. March brings almond blossoms and the Athens Half Marathon. May is great for hiking in Meteora or Crete before it gets too hot. October has grape harvest festivals and the first rains, while December and January mean Christmas markets and snow in the mountains. I always check the Greek National Holidays calendar, since prices can spike during Orthodox Easter or May Day.
How to Get Around Greece
Domestic flights save tons of time, especially if you’re hopping islands. Olympic Air (Aegean’s domestic brand), Sky Express, and Volotea all fly from Athens to Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, Rhodes, and Thessaloniki. Most tickets are $49-$89 if you book 2-3 months in advance. Flights from Athens to Heraklion (Crete) take 50 minutes, while Athens to Rhodes is about 1 hour. In high season, book as early as possible, especially for Friday or Sunday flights.
Ferries are the classic way to see the islands. Blue Star Ferries is the most reliable, with daily departures from Piraeus to Mykonos (4-6 hours, €38-€57) and Santorini (7-9 hours, €46-€67). Fast ferries like Seajets cut travel time but sometimes cost twice as much. Island-hopping is easiest in May-September; in winter, some routes run only a few times per week. Tip: grab a gyro at Piraeus’s To Steki tou Vournou before boarding.
Trains connect Athens to northern cities like Thessaloniki and Larissa. The InterCity express from Athens to Thessaloniki takes 3 hours 55 minutes (€48 second class) and is modern and comfortable. For Meteora, connect in Larissa and continue to Kalambaka. Buses (KTEL) reach every town and are reliable, if not super fast. Athens to Nafplio by bus is about 2 hours (€13).
Car rentals open up rural areas, especially in Crete, Peloponnese, or Zagori. Rates start at $28/day in the off-season, $45-$60 in July. Driving is on the right, and gas costs about $2.10/liter. Parking in central Athens is a challenge, but most islands and mainland villages have easy street parking. For city transit, Athens has a solid metro (three lines, €1.20 per ride, direct to/from the airport in 38 minutes) and Thessaloniki’s new metro opens in 2024.
How to Book Your Greece Trip
Start by searching cheap flights to Greece using Travorio’s flight search. You can compare deals on major airlines, set price alerts, and filter by payment method. I recommend booking flights 2-4 months ahead for spring or fall, and 5-6 months ahead for July-August. Don’t forget to check multi-city tickets, flying into Athens and out of Thessaloniki or Heraklion sometimes saves $120+ and cuts out a backtrack.
Travorio is unique because it lets you pay in 100+ cryptocurrencies, Sezzle’s pay-in-4 plan (0% interest for US/Canada), or PayPal Pay Later. For example, split a $600 flight into four $150 payments or secure a hotel in Santorini by paying with Bitcoin. It’s a lifesaver if you want to lock in flight deals before payday or avoid foreign exchange fees.
For hotels, use pay later to book standout properties like the AthensWas Hotel (from $162/night), or a suite at Crete’s Casa Delfino (from $147/night in April). Many properties on Travorio allow free cancellation until 2-3 days before arrival.
If you’re planning ferries, car rentals, or domestic flights, most can be pre-booked online, but I’ve found it’s easier (and sometimes cheaper) to book ferries in person at Piraeus or island ports. For bus and train tickets, the KTEL and Hellenic Train websites offer English booking and e-tickets. Always save your confirmations to your phone, Greek ticket offices can get busy in summer, and it helps to have everything ready at check-in.
Top Destinations
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions answered clearly and concisely
Santorini is the most popular spot for first-timers, known for its dramatic caldera and sunsets in Oia. Athens is a close second for its ancient sites and vibrant food scene. If you want beaches and hiking, Crete is the best all-rounder. Each offers direct flights or ferry connections from Athens.
Plan for at least 7-10 days to see both Athens and one or two islands. With 14 days, add Meteora or Crete for more variety. Short trips (5-6 days) work for Athens plus a quick island hop, but you’ll want longer for a relaxed pace. Ferries and flights between islands can eat up half a day each.
The cheapest time to fly to Greece is November through March, with roundtrip fares from the US or Canada often dropping below $500. Midweek departures (Tuesday or Wednesday) are typically $60-$120 cheaper than weekends. Avoid Greek holidays like Orthodox Easter, when prices spike.
US, Canadian, UK, and EU citizens don’t need a visa for stays under 90 days. Starting in 2025, travelers from these countries will need to apply for the ETIAS travel authorization online before arrival (expected cost: €7). For longer stays or other nationalities, check the Greek consulate website.
Greece is generally very safe, with low rates of violent crime. Pickpocketing can happen in Athens, especially on the metro or in Monastiraki Square. Tap water is safe to drink in Athens and most main cities, but stick to bottled water on some islands like Santorini or Mykonos.
Greek is the official language, but English is widely spoken in all tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants. Most signs in airports and train stations are bilingual. Learning a few Greek phrases like "Kalimera" (good morning) is appreciated, especially in rural areas.
Budget travelers can get by on $60-$80 per day by staying in hostels or guesthouses, eating gyros (€2-€4), and using public transport. Mid-range trips run $120-$180 per day, including boutique hotels and some splurges. On islands like Santorini or Mykonos, expect higher prices, especially in July-August.
Spend 2-3 nights in Athens, then take a ferry to Santorini for 3 nights. Add Naxos or Paros for quieter beaches, or fly to Crete for 4-5 days of hiking and ruins. End in Thessaloniki if you have time before flying home. This route covers ancient history, island life, and great food.
Absolutely. Greek culture is very welcoming to children, and most hotels offer family rooms or suites. Beaches like those in Naxos or Crete are shallow and sandy, perfect for kids. Ferries and trains both offer discounts for children under 12, and many museums have interactive exhibits.
Yes, Greece is safe and social for solo travelers. Hostels and guesthouses are found in every major city and island, and group tours (like Athens Free Walking Tours or Cretan hiking trips) are easy to join. Public transport is reliable, and English is spoken everywhere you’ll need it.
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