Greece
Greece is a sunlit holiday classic, where island blues, ancient landmarks, warm hospitality, harbour towns and long Mediterranean evenings create a destination full of feeling.
Greece
Greece is one of those places that seems to glow in the memory. It is the whitewashed village above a blue bay, the scent of grilled seafood drifting from a waterfront taverna, the sound of church bells in an old town, the first sight of the Acropolis above Athens and the lazy pleasure of watching ferries move between islands at sunset.
What makes Greece such a must-visit destination is the way it blends history, scenery and simple holiday joy so naturally. You can spend the morning exploring ancient ruins, the afternoon swimming in clear water and the evening eating under vines with a glass of local wine. From the big-name islands of Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, Santorini and Mykonos to quieter coastal villages, mountain roads, family resorts and cultural cities, Greece offers the kind of holiday that can be as relaxed, romantic, active or adventurous as you want it to be.
Visa
UK passport holders can visit Greece for short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa for tourism and similar travel purposes, although passports must meet Schengen entry rules and should always be checked before travel.
Irish citizens do not need a visa to enter Greece and can travel with a valid passport or passport card, with the passport valid for the duration of the stay. Travel rules can change, so travellers should always check the latest official advice before booking and again before departure.
Climate
Greece has a Mediterranean climate, with plenty of sunshine, mild temperatures and relatively limited rainfall, although conditions vary between the mainland, the mountains and the islands. July and August are the hottest and busiest months, ideal for classic beach holidays, island stays and long evenings by the sea, but the heat can be strong in cities and archaeological sites.
May, June, September and early October are often the most rewarding times to travel, with warm seas, comfortable sightseeing weather and a more relaxed atmosphere in many resorts. Spring is lovely for flowers, walking and cultural touring, while autumn often brings golden light, warm water and a slower pace after the main summer rush.
Transport Options Around Greece
Greece is a wonderfully varied country to explore, with domestic flights, ferries, trains, long-distance coaches, local buses, taxis, private transfers and car hire all helping travellers move between cities, islands, resorts, beaches and inland villages.
Air Travel
Greece has strong air links, with Athens International Airport as the main gateway and major airports serving popular destinations such as Thessaloniki, Heraklion, Chania, Rhodes, Corfu, Kos, Santorini, Mykonos and Zakynthos, making it easy to reach both mainland cities and island holiday favourites.
Train
Train travel is most useful on the mainland, with services connecting key places such as Athens, Thessaloniki and selected regional destinations, although Greece is not as rail-focused as some European countries and many island or coastal journeys will rely on ferries, buses, flights or road transport instead.
Bus
Buses are an important part of travelling around Greece, especially for reaching towns, beaches, villages and archaeological sites where trains do not go, with local and regional services often providing useful links between resorts, ports and inland areas.
Car Rental
Car hire is a strong choice for travellers who want to explore at their own pace, particularly on larger islands such as Crete, Rhodes, Corfu and Kefalonia, or across mainland regions where hidden beaches, mountain villages, monasteries and viewpoints are best reached by road.
Latest Offers
Our latest Greece offers include island holidays, family escapes, beach breaks, romantic getaways, city stays, cruise-and-stay options and tailor-made itineraries, helping you choose the right resort, hotel, flights, board basis and travel style for the Greek holiday you have in mind.
Our Top Destinations in Greece
Greece has enough islands, cities and coastlines to fill a lifetime of holidays, but for travellers looking for sunshine, atmosphere, good hotels and memorable experiences, these four destinations are always worth considering.
Crete
Crete is Greece’s largest island and one of its most complete holiday destinations, offering beaches, mountains, historic towns, family resorts, walking routes and a proud food culture that feels deeply rooted in the island. Chania and Rethymno bring Venetian harbours and old-town charm, while the south coast, mountain villages and archaeological sites reveal a wilder, more traditional side of Crete.
Rhodes
Rhodes is a superb choice for travellers who want sunshine, history and resort comfort in one place. Rhodes Town has one of the most atmospheric old towns in the Greek islands, Lindos delivers whitewashed beauty and an ancient acropolis above the sea, and resorts such as Ixia, Faliraki, Pefkos and Kiotari give holidaymakers a wide choice of beach styles and hotel experiences.
Corfu
Corfu has a softer, greener beauty than many Greek islands, with olive groves, cypress-covered hills, elegant old architecture and coves that feel made for slow summer days. Corfu Town adds culture and Venetian character, while the island’s north-east coast, west-coast beaches and traditional villages make it a wonderful choice for families, couples and returning Greece lovers.
Santorini
Santorini is one of Greece’s most famous islands, and its caldera views are every bit as dramatic as the photographs suggest. It is best suited to couples, honeymooners and travellers looking for beauty, atmosphere, boutique hotels, wine tasting and memorable sunsets, while those who explore beyond the busiest viewpoints will find villages, vineyards, volcanic beaches and quieter corners with real character.
Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors
- Choose the right island for your holiday style: Greece is not one single experience, so match the destination to your plans, whether that means family resorts, nightlife, romance, walking, history or quiet beaches.
- Do not underestimate the summer heat:
Sightseeing is best done early or late in the day, especially in Athens, Rhodes, Crete and inland areas during July and August.
- Book ferries and popular hotels early in peak season: Island routes and sought-after accommodation can fill quickly, particularly around school holidays and the busiest summer weeks.
- Keep some cash with you: Cards are widely used in many areas, but smaller tavernas, local buses, beach facilities and rural businesses may still be easier with cash.
- Slow down at mealtimes: Greek food is best enjoyed without rushing, with shared dishes, local specialities and time to enjoy the setting as much as the meal.
Travel Tips for Experience Explorers
- Travel in June or September if you can: These months often bring warm seas, open resorts, good flight options and a more comfortable atmosphere than peak summer.
- Look beyond the headline islands: Naxos, Paros, Skiathos, Samos, Lefkada, Kefalonia, Syros and the Peloponnese all offer memorable Greek holidays with their own distinct character.
- Hire a car for part of the stay: Even two or three days with a car can reveal inland villages, quiet beaches, local bakeries, scenic viewpoints and family-run tavernas that most visitors miss.
- Try local island dishes: Food varies more than many travellers realise, from Cretan dakos and Corfiot pastitsada to Santorini fava, Rhodes melekouni and fresh fish in harbour towns.
- Stay overnight where day-trippers go: Places such as Lindos, Oia, Chania Old Town and Corfu Town feel very different early in the morning and late in the evening, once the busiest crowds have moved on.
Greece, Full of Light
Islands, history and hospitality with timeless appeal
Greece remains one of Europe’s most beloved holiday destinations because it offers far more than sunshine. It gives travellers atmosphere, story, flavour, scenery and a sense of ease that makes even a simple beach day feel special. From ancient ruins and island harbours to mountain villages and family-run tavernas, Greece has a way of turning ordinary holiday moments into lasting memories.
For Tullys Travel customers, Greece is a destination that works beautifully across many types of trip. Whether the plan is a family summer holiday in Rhodes, a romantic escape to Santorini, a food-filled journey through Crete, a relaxed Corfu beach break, a city-and-island combination or a return to a favourite resort, Greece delivers warmth, beauty and the kind of holiday feeling people come back for year after year.
