Greece is easier to navigate than you might think. Whether you’re island-hopping, exploring the mainland, or looking to experience the nightlife, here’s what you need to know.

Getting to Greece

Most travelers fly into Greece. Athens International Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos) and Thessaloniki’s Macedonia Airport handle the majority of international flights. Dozens of airlines serve both airports year-round.

During summer (May-October), charter flights and budget airlines fly direct to island airports like Mykonos, Santorini, Rhodes, Corfu, and Crete. You can often skip Athens entirely if your destination is a major island.

>> more information on Flights to Greece

Another option: take a ferry from Italy. Ferries run from Ancona, Bari, Brindisi, and Venice to Greek ports like Patras, Igoumenitsa, and Corfu. Book online through sites like Direct Ferries or Ferryhopper—don’t bother with travel agents anymore.

>> more information on Ferries in Greece

Getting Around Greece

Once you land, you have options:

Domestic Flights – Many islands have airports. Aegean Airlines and Sky Express run frequent domestic flights. They’re short (30-60 minutes usually) and often cheap if you book in advance.

Ferries – It’s the main way to move between islands. If you’re going to an island close to the mainland, ferries are your best bet. Just remember: ferries make multiple stops at different islands, so travel time adds up. Weather can also delay or cancel ferries for days during rough seas, especially in winter.

Buses (KTEL) – For mainland travel, KTEL intercity buses are reliable and cheap. They’re green, connect most cities and towns, and run on schedule. Each city has a bus station. The system wasn’t designed for tourists, so signage might be in Greek, but locals are helpful and most young people speak English.

Car Rentals – If you have a driver’s license, renting a car gives you freedom to explore at your own pace. Gas prices are higher than in the US but comparable to the rest of Europe. Greek drivers can be aggressive and road rules are more like suggestions, but driving here is doable if you stay alert. Mountain roads offer incredible views.

Scooters – Cheap to rent and perfect for islands. You can cover a lot of ground and park anywhere. Just make sure you have the proper license (see our Scooter Rental page for requirements).

Taxis and Ride Apps

In Athens, taxis can be tricky. They’re yellow and everywhere, but drivers sometimes only pick you up if you’re going their direction (technically illegal, but it happens). The meter should start running when you get in. No need to tip.

To catch a taxi: stand on the side of the road heading your direction, raise your arm, and make eye contact with the driver. If they stop, tell them your destination before getting in. If they say no, try the next one.

Ride-hailing apps like FREE NOW and Bolt work well in Athens and other major cities. They’re often easier than flagging a taxi and you know the price upfront.

In smaller towns, taxis wait at designated stations called “piatsa.” Just ask locals where to find it.

Public Transport in Athens

Athens has an excellent metro system connecting the airport, city center, and port of Piraeus. It’s clean, safe, and runs frequently. Buses and trams cover areas the metro doesn’t reach. Buy tickets at stations or kiosks and validate them before boarding or risk a fine.

Nightlife

Greece’s nightlife scene is legendary. Athens, Mykonos, Rhodes, Corfu, and Skiathos are the main hubs, but you’ll find bars and clubs on nearly every island. Things start late—don’t show up before 11 PM or you’ll be the only one there. Clubs stay open until 6 or 7 AM.