Greece has been a favorite destination of tourists around the world for centuries. Travel to Greece is like travel to a mythical land. It is filled with pristine islands, ancient ruins, delicious fresh food, and vibrant people. If you’re planning to visit Greece in the coming months, here are three things that you absolutely cannot miss:
- Athens
The capital city of Greece is well worth a visit. You’ll most likely fly into Athens, so you should set aside a day or two at the beginning or end of your trip to see all that this wonderful city has to offer. Enjoy modern cuisine, museums, and architecture. But whatever you do, make sure to visit the Parthenon. The Parthenon is situated atop the Acropolis in Athens, and it is one of the most significant historical sites anywhere in the world. Try to go early in the day to avoid heavy crowds.
- Island Hopping
Greece has more than 3,000 islands, and 130 of those islands are inhabited. Be sure to make time for a sailing trip to some of Greece’s most spectacular isles. There are less populated destinations, where you can relax on the beach or enjoy a trip to a vineyard. Or you can go to the tourist-heavy but quite unforgettable Mykonos and Santorini.
Mykonos is filled with whitewashed buildings, beautiful beaches, and some of the most amazing nightlife you’ll find anywhere in Europe. Santorini is considered one of the most romantic places in the world. Find a beautiful beach-side bar, order a nice cocktail, and watch the sunset over the Mediterranean Sea. You’ll likely never forget this magical experience.
- Meteora
Meteora literally means “suspended in the air.” This collection of six monasteries is situated on top of a rocky peak. It’s one of the most beautiful and astounding sites you’ll ever see. The monasteries were built in the fourteenth century and were nestled high in the peaks to make them purposefully hard to get to. You’ll find these monasteries in central Greece, and they are certainly worth the effort.
Wherever you choose to go in Greece, remember that you do not need to obtain any sort of visa to Greece if you are a US passport holder. Greece is a Schengen nation, which means that US citizens can visit for up to 90 days for tourist or business reasons without a Greece visa. You just need to have at least one blank page in your passport, and your passport needs to be valid for at least three months beyond your intended length of stay. If you’re traveling with someone who is not a US citizen, contact the Swift team to learn more about what your visa requirements might be.
