Book cheap flights to Greece

The best time to visit Greece is during spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November). Wildflowers speckle the green landscapes in spring, while autumn brings warm amber tones and comfortable temperatures ideal for sightseeing and hiking. May is particularly good for exploring Crete, the Cyclades, the Peloponnese and the Ionian islands before the summer crowds arrive. Summer (July and August) brings scorching heat and throngs of tourists to the Greek islands and beaches — crowded attractions and overpriced accommodation are the trade-off for guaranteed sunshine. Book ferry tickets and accommodation well in advance if travelling in peak season. Winter (December to March) brings snow to the mountainous areas of western and northern Greece, while the island of Rhodes enjoys pleasantly mild temperatures year-round. This is off-season for most islands — expect reduced ferry services and limited access to some mountain villages, but significantly lower prices and an authentically local atmosphere in the cities. October brings unsettled weather to the mountainous areas of western Greece, though Athens and the southern islands remain mild and very pleasant. For the cheapest flights to Greece from South Africa, consider travelling between November and March, excluding the Christmas and New Year period.

South African passport holders require a Schengen visa to visit Greece. A Schengen visa grants access to all Schengen Area countries, making it ideal if you plan to combine Greece with other European destinations such as Italy, Croatia or Turkey (note: Turkey is not part of the Schengen Area). Apply well in advance, as processing can take several weeks during peak travel periods.

Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure date from the Schengen Area, must have been issued within the last 10 years, and must contain at least 2 blank pages for entry stamps.

Greek diplomatic missions in South Africa:

Pretoria (Embassy): 27 (0)12 348 2352

Johannesburg (Consulate General): 27 (0)11 214 2300

Cape Town (Consulate): 27 (0)21 424 8160

The South African Embassy is located in Athens:

Address: 60 Kifissias Avenue, Marousi, 15125, Athens

Email: athens.info@dirco.gov.za / athens.consular@dirco.gov.za

Greece is a very safe tourist destination and its friendly locals and stunning attractions welcome visitors all year round. As in any popular tourist area, be alert to petty theft and pickpocketing — particularly in crowded areas such as the Athens Metro, tourist markets and busy island ports.

Lone travellers should be wary of common scams — particularly in Athens, where unsuspecting visitors may be invited into a bar by a friendly local, only to be presented with an inflated bill for the entire group. If something feels too good to be true, it usually is. Also be aware of spiked drinks (known locally as bombes) sometimes served in clubs — never leave your drink unattended.

Visitors are prohibited from photographing military installations, navy ships and aircraft, and some museum exhibits. Always check with local authorities before photographing ancient relics and artefacts.

Tap water is safe to drink in most parts of mainland Greece and Athens, though bottled water is advisable on the islands and in smaller villages. There is no malaria risk in Greece, but bring insect repellent for the summer months. Pharmacies are well-stocked in major cities; if travelling to remote islands, bring any prescription medication you may need.

Be aware of erratic traffic, especially in the busy streets of Athens. Comprehensive travel insurance covering theft and medical expenses is highly recommended for all South African travellers.

Accommodation in Greece spans everything from budget-friendly hostels and family-run guesthouses to cave hotels carved into volcanic cliffs and five-star island resorts — there is something for every type of traveller and every budget.

In Athens, the Monastiraki, Plaka and Kolonaki neighbourhoods are popular bases, offering easy access to the Acropolis and excellent dining and nightlife. Mid-range boutique hotels and well-priced apartments are plentiful, while luxury options cluster around the Syntagma Square area.

On the islands, accommodation styles vary dramatically by destination. Santorini is famous for its cliffside cave hotels and infinity pool suites in Oia and Fira — some of the most photographed hotel views in the world. Mykonos offers chic boutique hotels and party-friendly beach clubs, while Crete and Corfu provide a wider range of family-friendly resorts, self-catering villas and budget guesthouses spread across charming villages and beach towns.

For a more authentic experience, consider staying in a traditional xenonas (guesthouse) in a hilltop village on the Peloponnese, or a converted captain’s house on one of the quieter Aegean islands like Naxos or Paros.

Ready to book? Search and book accommodation in Greece at Travelstart and find the best deals across all budgets.

Getting around Greece is a genuine part of the adventure — whether you’re navigating the ancient streets of Athens, hopping between sun-drenched islands by ferry, or winding through olive groves on a hire car.

In Athens, the Metro is clean, efficient and one of the easiest ways to reach the city’s major attractions, including the Acropolis, Syntagma Square and the port of Piraeus. Taxis are widely available and reasonably priced; always ensure the meter is running or agree on a fare upfront. Ride-hailing apps like Beat (the local equivalent of Uber) are widely used in Athens.

Island hopping by ferry is one of the great Greek experiences. An extensive network of ferries and high-speed catamarans connects Athens’ port of Piraeus with the Cyclades (Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros), the Dodecanese (Rhodes, Kos), Crete and many smaller islands. Book ferry tickets in advance during peak summer season, as popular routes sell out quickly.

Domestic flights operated by Sky Express and Olympic Air connect Athens with major island airports including Santorini (JTR), Mykonos (JMK), Rhodes (RHO), Heraklion in Crete (HER) and Corfu (CFU) — a practical option for South African travellers with limited time who want to cover more ground.

For exploring the Greek mainland — including the Peloponnese, Meteora, Delphi and the northern regions — a hire car is the best option. Roads are generally in good condition on the mainland, though mountain routes can be narrow and winding. On larger islands like Crete, Rhodes and Corfu, a hire car or scooter is the ideal way to discover hidden beaches and villages off the tourist trail.

Planning to explore Greece at your own pace?