From the ancient Acropolis in Athens to the mountaintop monasteries of Meteora, holiday packages to Greece offer historic highlights of mythical proportions. Witness the ring where the Olympics was first created and athletes, hungry for victory, competed. Find yourself in the town of Delphi where the Oracle would utter the words sent to her by Apollo.
It’s not all ancient sites and crumbling ruins. Greece holiday packages include miles of Mediterranean coastline punctuated by dramatic coves complete with aquamarine waters and rugged cliffs that plunge into the sea. While the mountainous interior beckons adventurers to dust off their hiking boots and climb the rocky landscapes, the glistening Aegean Sea invites sunseekers to hop from one idyllic Greek island to the next. With influences from exotic neighbours, Greece is a culinary delight. Think freshly baked breads, uniquely herbed pastas and fish straight from the sea.
Whether you’re looking for a secluded island retreat, an affordable family escape, or the ultimate cultural adventure, book one of our holiday packages to Greece to experience this timelessly classic destination.
The best time to travel to Greece from South Africa is between May and October.
Greek island tours are not ideal between October and early April as tourism facilities such as hotels, tavernas, souvenir shops and travel agencies close down on many of the smaller islands.
Some large islands, like Corfu, Rhodes and Crete, remain relatively lively even in winter.
There are over 140 Greek islands to choose from with most first time visitors heading for popular favourites such as Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, Rhodes and Corfu.
ATMs and credit card facilities are available in towns throughout Greece, on the mainland and on the islands.
Travelling from Athens to the islands by ferry is often far more enjoyable than flying, though if time is an issue, flights are quicker for more distant islands such as Corfu, Crete and Rhodes.
Athens city centre is served by frequent buses and trolleybuses, and its reliable underground system extends to the airport.
While taxis in Athens and most major cities are safe, plentiful and cheap, on the more commercial islands they can be expensive and are often scarce, especially during peak times.
All Greece’s main cities and towns are connected by an extensive network of long-distance buses, which almost always prove more efficient than the train.
A trip to the Greek islands is the perfect opportunity to stretch your sea legs with many types of yachts and sailing vessels available to be hired with or without crews.
Athens - Bustling Athens is a mix of ancient history and contemporary edginess.
Santorini - Santorini is a clifftop maze of white and blue Cycladic houses.
Acropoli - Crowned by the Parthenon, the ancient Acropolis presides over Athens.
Mykonos - The party never ends on cosmopolitan Mykonos.
Corfu - The Emerald Isle is a popular addition to many Greek island tours.
Olympia - The site of the first Olympics has been inhabited since prehistoric times.
When planning a holiday to Greece from South Africa, pre-book activities to avoid long queues.
Consider holiday packages to Greece that don’t include meals so that you can explore all the delicious treats this culinary destination has to offer.
Greek cuisine is known for its red meat so make like a local and try the rotisserie-cooked meat known as gyros which is typically served in a pita with some tangy tzatziki.
While Greek island hopping, dine on fresh seafood.
Despite imported drinks being generally expensive in Greece, local beer and wine is fairly cheap in the tavernas and there are countless cavas (bottle stores) where you can buy drinks to take back to your hotel.
Explore side streets for quirky hidden tavernas to avoid pricey restaurants in the main tourist areas.
Tap water is generally drinkable in Athens and other cities but stick to bottled water on the islands.
Greek island tours are known to be gloriously sunny so don’t forget to pack sunscreen, a hat and some good quality sunglasses.
Mosquito repellent and a comfy pair of walking shoes are also essential.
