In this installment of our guide to Greece we look at basic Greek tourist information…

Greece offers a wide range of experiences, landscapes and activities. It is famous for its natural beauty, historical sites and nightlife, and of course for its reliably sunny summers and the many beautiful beaches on its islands and coastline, which stretches along the Aegean, Ionian and Mediterranean Seas.

These features attract more than 15 million visitors each year, making this southern European country one of the world’s top 20 tourist destinations. While 90% of its tourists come from other European countries, in recent years there have been growing numbers of visitors from other parts of the world too.

The most popular destinations include the capital, Athens, and the islands, especially Crete, Rhodes and Corfu. Some areas are very tourist orientated, but people seeking a quieter experience can still find places free from mass tourism.

The great majority of travelers arrive in the summer months – April through October, with the season’s peak being July and August. Outside this period, most of the Greek tourist infrastructure, particularly on the islands, slips into hibernation.

While Athens and Thessaloníki handle most scheduled international flights, during tourism season charter and low-budget flights from a range of European cities arrive daily at many islands and smaller mainland cities.

Travelers need a valid passport to enter Greece. Citizens of EU countries don’t require a visa, citizens of some non-EU countries (including the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand) are permitted to stay for up to 90 days visa-free, but citizens of other non-EU countries need to obtain a visa.

The country’s rates of theft and violence against visitors are relatively low and travelers are neither required nor advised to have immunization vaccinations prior to entering Greece.