Three top travel tips when heading to the Greek Islands

With so much to see and do across the Greek Islands, it can be useful to be prepared with a few tips and tricks before organising your dream holiday. Whether you’re in search of a relaxing beach-based break, or want to indulge in the country’s history and culture, there really is something for everyone in this alluring corner of the world.

Before you jet off, consider our three top tips and you can be sure to have the Greek Island adventure of a lifetime.

Preparation is key

To get the most out of your holiday, hop between the islands to experience all that they have to offer. In order to see as much of this stunning region as possible, it is crucial that you plan and prepare an itinerary in advance of your trip, including any activities you want to do or sights you want to see.

It should also feature travel plans, from flights to and from the mainland, to ferries between the islands. Some of the larger islands like Zakynthos and Crete have their own international airports. However, the smaller territories are only accessible by ferry from either mainland Greece or other islands, so bear this in mind when devising your travel itinerary.

Consider off-season travel

If you’re not restricted to having to plan your trips around school holidays, you will find there are plenty of benefits to an off-peak break to the Greek Islands. As with any popular destination, the beaches and tourist attractions can become very crowded during the summer months. To avoid the rush, head to the islands in spring, or even during Christmas for some winter sun, with average temperatures remaining in the mid-teens throughout December. 

Choosing to travel at different times of the year can provide a more authentic experience for you and your travel companions. With many of the tourist-related businesses closing outside of the peak season, you will be encouraged to eat, sleep and travel like a local.

There are also plenty of unique events and celebrations which take place throughout the year, but particularly during December and the Christmas season. The locals take the Christmas holidays very seriously in this part of the world, with various Christmas treats and customs being served up throughout the isles.

Let the history and culture inspire you

If it’s an historically-inspired holiday you’re after, there are truly few places more suitable across the world than Greece and its surrounding islands. From the fascinating mythology to the groundbreaking architecture, there are countless relics to the country’s compelling past.

Whichever island you land on, you will be greeted by statues and buildings which depict Greece’s historic value. From the Minoan Palace of Knossos to the Portara, use the historical hotspots to guide you through the Greek Islands and inspire your itinerary.

Such is the natural beauty and historical significance of the Greek Islands, they have inspired many modern works of film and literature, too. Pop culture aficionados will recognise spots like Kastani beach in Skopelos, which featured in the 2008 hit movie Mamma Mia. Be sure to do your research in advance to ensure you tick off as many bucket list spots as possible!

Disclaimer: This is a collaborative post.