Greece
Six thousand islands, a blue-and-white horizon and a kitchen that tastes of olive oil, lemon and sea salt — Greece is the classic among sun destinations.
About Greece
Greece isn't one destination but hundreds. The Cyclades (Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos) deliver the postcard of whitewashed villages above a cobalt sea; the Dodecanese (Rhodes, Kos) sit warm against the Turkish coast and pair long sandy beaches with crusader-and-antiquity history; and Crete, the largest island, is almost a country of its own with mountains, gorges and a food culture all its own. Prefer the mainland? Athens puts the Acropolis within walking distance of lively neighbourhoods like Plaka and Koukaki.
The charm is in the pace. Long lunches at a taverna, fish that was swimming that morning, and island-hopping by ferry where every harbour has a different character. Families often pick Kos or Rhodes for the direct flights and child-friendly resorts; couples and photographers head for the Cyclades; active travellers hike the Samaria Gorge on Crete. Peak season (July–August) is busy and hot — May, June and September give the same swimming weather with more calm and lower prices.
☀ May–October for swimming; June & September for sun without the crowds
Climate
Monthly averages 2019-2023Best time to visit Jul–Sep