Greece Holiday Packages

Whether you are Greek island hopping or shopping in Athens, holidays in Greece are unlike any other experience. As the cradle of Western Civilisation and the birthplace of the Olympic Games, Greece offers a wealth of history and ancient places to visit, including 19 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Greek island holidays give you the chance to enjoy an unmatched Mediterranean summer in magnificent surrounds. Each island has its own distinct personality – and while there are many sun, sand and sea activities to enjoy, it’s the atmosphere, food and welcoming people that make Greece such a delightful place to visit.

Why travel to Greece on holiday in 2024:

Its ancient sites are extraordinary, including the Acropolis in Athens and the medieval old town of Rhodes.
The summer weather in Greece is as good as it gets, perfect for beach holidays and sailing on the bright blue Aegean Sea.
The beauty of white-washed buildings offset against the sea on the islands is dazzling.
The food is plentiful and notoriously delicious.
The nightlife here is lively, vibrant – and a delight.
Outdoor Adventure - whether it’s surfing in Tinos, base jumping in Zakynthos, or diving in secluded coves, Greece offers adrenaline-pumping activities for outdoor enthusiasts.
Greece is a land full of gods, goddesses, myths and legends.

So many islands to explore, so much scenic beauty to discover… Greece is undoubtedly Instagram-worthy, so make sure to capture its magnificence. As the experts in Greece holiday packages let Thompsons Holidays put together the ultimate holiday for you. Book now!

Things to do in Greece

Holidays in Greece are all about living the good life, whether enjoying a traditional Greek dinner in Plaka, Athens’ old town or soaking up the beauty of the Greek islands. Our travel packages will take you to the best islands in Greece for unforgettable experiences. From the glittering white-washed buildings clinging to the cliffs in Santorini to the joy of finding a hidden cove to sunbathe in in Corfu.

Holidays are made up of glorious memories that stay with you long after the trip is over. And with so much to do and see in Greece, you’re going to have many memories to look back on, for many years to come.

Things to do on Greece holidays

Watch the sunset on breathtaking Santorini island.
Visit the monasteries of Meteora, located on the top of towering rocks.
On the island of Naxos, climb Mount Zeus to discover the Cave of Zeus.
Go shopping in Monastiraki Flea Market in Athens.
Visit the windmills in Mykonos Town.
Escape to the unspoilt island of Milos.
Discover Mycenae, a UNESCO-listed site made famous by Homer’s The Iliad & The Odyssey.
Take a day-trip from Athens to explore Hydra with lunch in the little village of Kamini.
Hike up Mount Olympus where Zeus sat on his throne.
See the Church with 100 Doors on the island of Paros.
Explore Knossos, a Bronze Age settlement on the island of Crete.
Discover the ‘other’ Acropolis, Lindos, on the island of Rhodes.

Let Thompsons Holidays help you make fabulous memories with your partner, friends, family or tailor the perfect solo travel package to Greece.

Know before you go...

When is the best time to visit?

The best time to visit Greece is from May to October with lots of sunny weather.
July and August are the hottest months with very high temperatures.
Winter is from November to March.

Getting there & getting around

You will fly from Johannesburg to Athens and either fly or take a ferry to your island holiday destination.
The quickest one-stop flight duration from Johannesburg to Athens is approximately 13 hours. Some airlines could take longer based on the stopover destination and waiting period.
The towns, cities and popular islands in Greece have excellent transport systems as a whole, including ferries, cars, taxis, buses, trains and scooters for hire.
Towns in outlying areas may have less sophisticated transport infrastructure – it depends where you are going.

Do I need a visa?

South African passport holders require a Schengen visa to enter Greece.
Passports should be valid for at least 3 months after travel and have blank pages.

What time is it?

Greece is on Eastern European standard time, the same time as South Africa during the winter and 1 hour ahead of South Africa in the summer months.

Money matters

The official currency is the Euro (€ or EUR).
Credit cards are widely accepted and ATMs are prevalent.
Tipping is an accepted custom. In restaurants, tip 5-10% of the bill.
Food is relatively inexpensive in Greece.

Language & phrases

Greek is the official language.
English, French, German and Italian is spoken in Greece by some of the population.

Culture & religion

Greek Orthodox is the predominant religion in Greece.

Health information

It is not safe to drink tap water in Greece. Bottled water is readily available.
Vaccinations are not currently required but do check with your travel clinic before you go.

What must I pack?

Lightweight clothing for summer, warmer layers for cooler evenings and cruises. Don't forget your beachwear!
Comfortable walking shoes, sandals.
Sunscreen, lip balm, hat, swimsuits and sunglasses for summer holidays.
Mini first aid kit and regular prescription medication.
Hand sanitiser and insect repellent.
Camera.
Travel adaptor. Greece operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz, plug and sockets are of type C with two round pins and F which has two round pins with two earth clips on the side.

What can I do to be a responsible traveller?

Greek islands are water-scarce and visitors are encouraged to use water sparingly.
Support the local economy.
Be mindful of what you bring with you onto the islands in terms of single-use plastic and packaging.
Respect each other's cultures and customs.