Greece is the epitome of history, culture, and natural beauty, offering a perfect blend of ancient wonders and modern gems. Whether you are island hopping in Greece or shopping in Athens, holidays in this Mediterranean gem 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 Choose a Greece Holiday Package?
Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway to the best Greek islands for couples or a family adventure on the Ionian Islands, our packages are tailored to suit your needs. A holiday package allows you to enjoy stress-free travel with the flexibility to explore at your own pace.
- Stunning Landscapes: From the iconic, white-washed buildings of Santorini to the lush greenery of Corfu, Greece offers some of the most amazing views in the world.
- Rich History and Culture: Walk through ancient ruins, such as the Acropolis in Athens, or visit the Palace of Knossos in Crete, where centuries of Greek history come to life.
- Delicious Greek Cuisine: Enjoy authentic Greek dishes like moussaka, souvlaki, and baklava, and enjoy fresh seafood along the beautiful coastlines.
- Beautiful Beaches: Whether you’re looking for secluded coves or lively beach resorts, Greece’s beaches cater to everyone.
- Charming Islands: Explore the best Greek islands, each offering its own unique charm – whether it’s the romantic sunsets of Santorini, the vibrant nightlife of Mykonos, or the family-friendly beaches of Naxos.
- Warm Hospitality: Greek people are known for their warmth and hospitality, ensuring you feel at home as you explore their beautiful country.
- Vibrant Culture: Immerse yourself in local traditions with festivals, music, and dance, offering a truly authentic Greek experience.
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!
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
- Explore Ancient Ruins: Visit iconic historical sites like the Acropolis in Athens, the Temple of Apollo in Delphi, and the Palace of Knossos in Crete.
- Relax on Stunning Beaches: Spend your days lounging on the beautiful beaches of Mykonos, Naxos, and Corfu, or explore the secluded coves of Zakynthos.
- Discover Charming Villages: Wander through villages in Santorini, Mykonos, and Paros, and enjoy their unique local culture and views.
- Taste Authentic Greek Cuisine: Indulge in mouth-watering Greek dishes like moussaka, souvlaki, and baklava, and try fresh seafood by the sea.
- Hike Scenic Trails: Take a hike up Mount Olympus or explore the beautiful coastal trails of Crete and Corfu, enjoying incredible views.
- Experience Vibrant Nightlife: Enjoy the lively nightlife of Mykonos and the laid-back beach bars of Naxos, offering something for every partygoer.
- Visit Iconic Landmarks: Visit the Blue Caves of Zakynthos, climb Mount Zeus, see the Church with 100 Doors and enjoy a day trip to the stunning Meteora monasteries.
- Go Wine Tasting: Discover the wine-making traditions of Santorini and Crete with a wine-tasting tour and enjoy the local varieties.
- Unwind at Spas: Indulge in a relaxing spa day, many of which are set in beautiful, peaceful locations with stunning island views.
Let Thompsons Holidays help you make fabulous memories with your partner, friends, family or tailor the perfect solo travel package to Greece.
When is the best time to visit Greece?
The best time to visit the Greek islands is from May to October, with warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine. The summer months (June to August) are the most popular, but for a quieter experience, visit from November to March.
Getting to Greece & getting around
- You will fly from Johannesburg to Athens and either fly or take a ferry to your island holiday destination.
- Flights from South Africa to Greece typically have one stopover, usually in a European city.
- 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.
- Once in Greece, travelling between the islands is easy with ferry services and small cruises.
- 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.
What time is it in Greece?
- 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, Language, and Phrases
- 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.
- Basic phrases like "Kalimera" (Good morning) and "Efharisto" (Thank you) will go a long way with locals.
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.
- Greece has excellent healthcare facilities, particularly in urban and tourist areas.
- Vaccinations are not currently required but do check with your travel clinic before you go.
- Ensure you have travel insurance and bring any essential medications with you.
Do South Africans Need a Visa?
Yes, South African citizens require a Schengen visa to visit Greece. Make sure to apply for your visa in advance to avoid any travel delays. Remember, passports should be valid for at least 6 months after travel and have blank pages. 
- 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.
- Consider buying a local SIM card for easy communication and data access while exploring the Greek islands.
- 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.
- Be safety conscious: don’t display cash or valuables. Leave jewellery and expensive watches at home.
- Contact the Thompsons Holidays 24-hour care line to assist.
The best Greek island for you depends on your preferences! Santorini and Mykonos are perfect for a romantic escape or a lively party scene, while Corfu and Crete offer family-friendly activities and cultural experiences.
For budget-conscious travellers, consider visiting islands like Naxos, Paros, or Kos, which are generally more affordable than tourist-heavy destinations like Mykonos or Santorini.
May, June, and September are ideal months to visit the Greek islands. The weather is perfect, and the crowds are smaller than in July and August.
While credit and debit cards are widely accepted, it’s always handy to have some cash for small purchases, especially in more remote areas.
The nicest island depends on what you’re looking for – Santorini for incredible views, Mykonos for nightlife, or Crete for culture and history.
