Greece travel medical insurance and visa requirements guide
January 03, 2019
Ancient architecture, Mediterranean beaches and more: travel tips for exploring Greece
The Greek philosopher Aristotle once said: “In all things of nature there is something of the marvelous.”4 From stunning beaches to fascinating ancient ruins to picturesque villages filled with friendly locals, a Greek vacation has so much to offer. A land full of history, culture and natural beauty, there are so many things to do in Greece, with an abundance of delicious cuisine and hundreds of idyllic islands waiting to be explored.
If you’re looking for the best places to visit in Greece, we’ve assembled information about the most popular destinations in the country. As you research your travel to Greece, be sure to consider travel protection in case of any cancellations, delays, or medical emergencies. A must for global travelers, SafeTrip’s International Travel Medical coverage connects you to quality care, plus it can even help with emergency evacuation if a crisis arises. Also, our International Travel Medical Plus plan can save the day if your luggage is lost, plus it can cover unexpected costs in case of a flight delay or cancellation.
What are the best things to do in Greece?
Greece is filled with mythical experiences, and not just because of its history as a cultural and economic hub since prehistoric times. The cradle of Western civilization, Greece also has modern cities and sophisticated destinations that invite city fans as well as those fascinated by ancient ruins.
If you are a history or archaeology buff, Greece is a literal treasure trove. The historic Athens Acropolis is where great Greek philosophers and politicians once traded ideas and debated opinions, most specifically in the Parthenon temple that reigns over the city. Head to Mount Parnassos, and you’ll be able to explore the Sanctuaries of Apollo and Athena in Delphi, as well as many other prehistoric ruins. The wild, rocky landscape of the Peloponnese peninsula has the ruins of palaces, temples, churches and castles galore, all beautifully preserved and protected.
Are you more of a beach person? The soft sands and crystal-clear water of the many island beaches in Greece invite travelers from around the world, including Voidokilia Beach in Messinia on the mainland, Porto Katsiki on the island of Lefkada (sheltered by stunning cliffs), the pink sand of Elafonissi beach on Crete, or the volcanic-sand shores and vibrant blue water you’ll find on a Santorini vacation.
For those who love diving into cultural experiences, Greece offers a rich and vibrant destination, with art, music and dance to inspire creative souls. A great way to enjoy Greek cuisine and culture is by touring the many traditional villages that dot the Greek countryside and joining music- and dance-filled festivals celebrating religious and traditional cultural holidays. Along the way, you’ll enjoy the country’s lavish natural beauty with lush forests, the crystal-clear Aegean Sea, and amazing mountain hikes including Mount Olympus, Mount Parnassus and the high-altitude Meteora monasteries.
Must-see destinations in Greece
Want to choose a specific destination for your Greek vacation? Here are five popular places in Greece to check out, each with a combination of fun in the sun, ancient sites and glorious nature.
Mykonos is an island filled with charming whitewashed homes and winding roads, perfect for relaxed wandering during the day. However, the real reason many people plan a Mykonos vacation is the epic Mykonos nightlife, with all-night beach parties and hip dance-til-dawn nightclubs.
Athens is one of the oldest cities in the world, plus it offers neighborhoods bustling with trendy bars, swanky boutique hotels and cafes. In addition to well-preserved archaeological sites such as the Parthenon at the Acropolis (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the city has multiple must-see museums including the National Archaeological Museum with more than 11,000 artifacts5 from ancient Greece.
Santorini has staggeringly beautiful views of turquoise water, multicolored cliffs, active volcanoes and incomparable sunsets, all while offering a unique island experience. Take a catamaran cruise and swim in soothing waters warmed by hot springs from nearby volcanoes or pass the days away wandering the cobblestone streets and picturesque villages.
Crete gives travelers a myriad of experiences thanks to the many peoples who have lived on the island over the ages, including the Minoans, the Venetians and the Ottomans as well as modern-day Greeks. The resulting mash-up of cultures, cuisines and architecture makes for fascinating travel, along with pristine beaches, ancient sites and mountainous national parks to explore.
Naxos is the perfect answer for travelers looking for a small-island experience. Visitors to the 166-square-mile island6 list diving and windsurfing as great activities since the crowds are smaller at the beaches, plus Naxos has hidden beaches you can occasionally have to yourself. Many tourists opt for bikes to get from village to village, enjoying the slower pace and mellower roads.
Before you go
As you plan your vacation to Greece, keep a few things in mind:
- The best times to visit Greece are in late spring, then again in the fall, when the temperatures are comfortable, with less rain than in the winter and smaller crowds during shoulder season.
- For travelers without a valid U.S. passport, Greece is a signatory to the Schengen Agreement, which provides for the free movement of travelers between the signatory countries within Europe under a common visa policy that you would need to apply for. The Schengen visa is a single-entry visa that allows visitors to travel for up to 90 days without needing a separate visa for each Schengen country. Depending on your nationality, you may need a Schengen visa; look here to check, plus note that you do need travel medical insurance such as SafeTrip International Travel Medical Plus to qualify for this visa.
- The overall crime rate in Greece is low, but as with any overseas travel, always be aware of your surroundings and your belongings.
- The impact of climate change means that Greece is subject to the same unpredictable changes in weather patterns as the rest of the world. Most recently, flash floods have affected low-lying areas, as well as fires affecting some of the islands, so stay tuned in to local weather reports and advisories.
- Be sure to have your passport and any supporting documents ready well in advance, and add travel protection to your plans in case anything goes awry.
Health care in Greece
No special vaccinations are required to enter Greece from any country, but the CDC recommends travelers be up-to-date with routine vaccinations.
- Greece has a modern health care system and finding care providers is easy within larger towns and cities. More comprehensive medical care is available in Athens, Thessaloniki and other urban areas where all specialties are offered. Access to emergency departments of public hospitals in major cities is guaranteed 24/7.
- Payment by credit or debit card is accepted at most hospitals and facilities. Emergency care will be rendered even if billing issues have not been resolved.
- Be sure to know the local emergency numbers, just in case:
Ambulance and Medical emergency services: 166
Fire: 199
Police: 100 - A recent concern has been “medical tourist traps” in some resort areas and urban locations, where travelers seeking care for minor medical problems are encouraged to undergo possibly unnecessary (and expensive) tests and procedures. Travelers should be wary of the advice received in these facilities; one part of SafeTrip plans is a 24/7 UnitedHealthcare Global support line, with specialists in global health care, ready to answer your call if you have any questions or concerns about the quality of care you are receiving, and can also help you find a quality medical provider near you.
Cultural tips for when you are there
Be aware of cultural dos and don’ts in Greece. Be ready for double-cheek kisses as a hello, and to bargain at outdoor markets. Don’t raise your palm towards someone’s face — it’s considered particularly rude.
- Greek is the official language. English and French are popular second languages.
- Dress is casual but cosmopolitan. Greeks generally wear clothing influenced by European fashions. When entering churches (whether for prayer or sightseeing), women should be sure that their knees and shoulders are covered.
- Public displays of affection should be kept to a minimum, especially in rural areas.
- In restaurants the service charge is included in the bill, but it is customary to leave some change as a tip. Rounding up the bill is generally sufficient. Taxi drivers likewise appreciate a small gratuity.
- Many businesses and shops are closed on Sundays. In Athens, shops are allowed to open on Sundays between May and October, with the exception of the second Sunday in August.
Good-to-know for business trips
Greeks value personal relationships, so it is important to take the time to get to know your Greek counterparts while doing business as well as being respectful of local customs.
- Punctuality is important, so be sure to arrive on time for meetings and appointments.
- Business attire in Greece is generally more formal that in other countries, so err on the side of dressing more conservatively.
Protect your trip
With so many factors possibly affecting a Greece vacation itinerary, from weather challenges to delayed flights or strikes and other unforeseen challenges, travel protection is a wise choice to keep your trip on track.
SafeTrip International Travel Medical Plus* is for anyone wanting to be covered for not only medical emergencies but also unexpected changes in itineraries or travel plans. SafeTrip International Travel Medical* covers you for any medical emergency including a crisis that requires medical evacuation or repatriation.
If whitewater rafting in the Pindus Mountains, paragliding in Meteora, or canyoning in Vikos Gorge is on your bucket list, you can make sure you have access to the right kind of health care coverage with a SafeTrip Extreme Sports add-on. Then, you can explore the islands and truly experience all Greece has to offer, free to completely immerse yourself in the wild adventure.
*Policy availability varies
Sources:
- https://www.travelsafe-abroad.com/greece/
- https://truevoyagers.com/blog/dos-and-donts-when-traveling-in-greece
- Global Intelligence Center
- https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/5941-in-all-things-of-nature-there-is-something-of-the
- https://www.namuseum.gr/en/to-moyseio/taytotita/
- https://greecetravelideas.com/largest-greek-islands/
Get a quote
Your itinerary is fully planned and all you need is your travel insurance? Get started with your quote here.
* indicates a required field
Period of coverage
Location of coverage
Where do you need coverage?
Number of travelers
Who needs coverage?
Need help?
If you have any question, give us a quick call or just send an email.