Greece Holidays

One thing Irish holidaymakers love about Greece - at any time of year - is how wonderfully accessible it is. You’re looking at a direct flight time of just 4 to 4.5 hours from Dublin to most major Greek airports. Before you know it, you’re stepping off the plane into that famous wall of warm, scented, Grecian air - the first and sure sign that you’ve arrived somewhere really special.  

So what time of year is the best time to visit Greece?  

According to the experts, the sweet spot for the perfect Greek holiday is during the shoulder seasons - May to June and September to early October. At these times, you’ll be rewarded with glorious sunshine, beautifully warm seas, and a more relaxed atmosphere, all while avoiding the peak summer crowds and heat. July and August are vibrant and full of energy, but they come with higher temperatures - up to 35°C/40°C - and bigger crowds at all the major tourist sites.  

The real beauty of Greece is in its variety; this means that choosing the right island or region is the key to your perfect holiday.  

For families, you can’t beat the gentle sands and shallow waters of Corfu, Kos, or Crete, where resorts cater brilliantly to all ages. For couples, the iconic sunsets and luxurious caldera views of Santorini are legendary, while Mykonos offers upmarket style and vibrant nightlife.  

Groups of friends will find their perfect mix of beach life and buzzing evenings in Zakynthos or Rhodes. And for culture lovers, a stay in Athens is a must - standing in the shadow of the Acropolis is a genuinely awe-inspiring moment. But don't forget, as the cradle of Western civilization, culture lovers will find something of interest wherever they go in Greece.  

A little local insight goes a long way. Embrace the Greek pace of life - there's no point getting angry or stressed, the Greeks have lived life at their own pace for centuries. Service in tavernas is relaxed; it’s about savouring the moment, not a rushed meal or a hurried drink.  

The afternoon siesta is still observed in many smaller towns, so plan your shopping and sightseeing around this. And remember the concept of ‘philoxenia’ - their deep-rooted hospitality towards guests. A friendly ‘kalimera’ (good morning) or ‘efharisto’ (thank you) will be appreciated and met with warm smiles. 

Whether your dream Greek holiday means exploring ancient ruins, sailing to hidden coves, or simply soaking up the sun on a pristine beach, Greece offers a backdrop of unmatched beauty and history. Greece is more than just a holiday in the sun, it's a place of relaxation, friendly welcomes, great food, and an opportunity to delve into living history. 

A holiday in Greece is much more than a fantastic beach - much more. Think of your Greek holiday as a delightful mix of adventure, culture, and that famous Greek sigá sigá (slowly, slowly Mediterranean approach to life) relaxation, all under endless blue skies.  

For the adventurous, swap your flip-flops for hiking boots and trek through the volcanic trails of Santorini, conquer the dramatic Samaria Gorge in Crete, or explore the forested paths of Corfu’s interior. If the sea is your preferred adventure park, renting a small boat for the day to find your own secluded cove is a rite of passage on islands like Zakynthos or Kos. For a whole new view of the land and sea try sea kayaking along dramatic coastlines or scuba diving to discover underwater caves and historic shipwrecks.  

Culture isn’t confined to museums in Greece, it's everywhere. It’s alive in the rhythm of daily life. Time your visit with a local panigýri (festival) for traditional music, dancing, and feast-worthy food (you've probably seen them in the movies). In Athens, beyond the Acropolis, get lost in the Psyrri or Koukaki neighbourhoods, where street art meets artisan coffee shops. On Rhodes, step through the medieval walls of the Old Town and feel the centuries of history in stones of the old cobbled streets.  

And when you want to experience real Greek food, the food of the people, move beyond the taverna by joining a cooking class to master moussaka, souvlaki, bryos, spanakopita and horiatiki, or visit a family-run winery on Santorini or Crete to taste unique volcanic and indigenous varieties.  

For families, a morning spent with a local fisherman or on an olive oil farm tour can be both fun and fascinating. If you think this might be a bit on the boring side, don't worry, the Greeks have a way of making the ordinary extraordinary. 

When the sun sets the entertainment begins, but it's up to you how you want to spend your evenings and nights. It might be an open-air cinema in Athens, a lively bouzoukia club where plates are smashed for fun, or a serene evening watching a light show at the Temple of Poseidon. In Mykonos, Kos, Corfu, or Zakynthos, the nightlife is world-famous, but even in quieter villages, you’ll find the heart of the evening is a long, laughter-filled dinner at a seaside taverna with locals as your new best friends.  

Anyone who has already experienced a Greek holiday will tell you that the magic of the place is in the blend of experiences. Balance a day of ancient ruins with an afternoon of sun, sand, and snorkelling. Follow a morning hike with a long, lazy seafood lunch. Whether you’re seeking family fun, romantic moments, or lively adventures, Greece provides the perfect, sun-drenched backdrop for it all. 

In Greece, every meal is a celebration and every cobblestoned backstreet has a story. The culture here is a warm mixture concocted from ancient myth, deep Orthodox faith, and an unwavering love for life’s simple pleasures.  

This is felt most profoundly around the table. Dining is a social event, a time for conversation and deep connection. Some good advice is don’t just order a main course each; embrace the mezze style - sharing small plates of creamy tzatziki, grilled octopus, salty feta drizzled with local honey, and slow-cooked lamb. Each region has its own star dish, so be sure to ask. Try bourdeto (spicy fish stew) in Corfu, dakos (rusk salad) in Crete, or fresh seafood pasta in a tiny taverna in any quaint fishing village on Kos.  

The traditions you'll encounter in Greece will create memories that last a lifetime, so savour them carefully.  

The lively Panigiria, village festivals with live laiko music and dancing, honour patron saints with a joy that dates back centuries. In every home, a person’s name day is often celebrated more fervently than their birthday. You’ll feel history in the echoes of ancient theatre at Epidaurus and taste it in a glass of retsina, a wine tradition that has been preserved since the time when amphorae were sealed with pine resin to retain the flavour. As we've mentioned elsewhere, the famed Greek hospitality, ‘philoxenia’, is a genuine warmth extended to strangers, transforming a simple transaction into a friendly connection that can last for years with every returning visit.  

For a true immersion into Greek's deep culture, seek experiences that connect you to its living heritage. Take a pottery class in Crete using methods thousands of years old, or a cooking lesson where you forage for herbs and plants in the wild. Spend a morning with a fisherman pulling in his nets, or simply sit and observe the locals at the village market and greet them with a broad smile.  

In autumn, you can participate in the grape or olive harvest, the lifeblood of countless communities. Attend an Easter service to witness the solemn midnight resurrection ceremony followed by fireworks and feasting.  

Even the simple daily ritual of enjoying a slow Greek coffee in a kafeneio (coffee house) offers a window into the local rhythm, traditions, and culture. All of these moments of immersion - far from the bustling tourist tracks - reveal the true, living and beating heart of Greece; a land where the ancient and modern blend together seamlessly.

A little thoughtful planning is the key to a smooth and deeply rewarding Greek holiday. If you choose a single base holiday on one of the larger islands like Crete, Rhodes, or Corfu you can be sure of finding relaxation and deep local discovery without the constant packing of island hopping. But, with that in mind, you can always take fantastic day trips by boat to nearby islands to gather new experiences and make great new memories.  

Getting around on the islands usually means renting a car or ATV for ultimate freedom (an International Driving Permit is recommended). Reliable local buses serve major towns and beaches but can be infrequent. Rural bus timetables are rarely available in the more remote areas, so be carefully not to get stranded. 

Budgeting wisely means knowing that tavernas a street back from the waterfront often offer better value and a more authentic atmosphere than the ones right on the seafront or close to any major tourist attractions.  

Paying in cash (Euros) at smaller establishments is appreciated - it's fair to say that especially in smaller rural areas locals often struggle to make ends meet and cash is always appreciated. For families, shopping at local supermarkets for picnic lunches is a huge saver.  

While cards are widely accepted, always carry cash for villages, markets, and small ferries. If you plan to visit a lot of Greece's cultural highlights, you might consider investing in a multi-site museum pass in Athens.  

Respect the midday siesta (roughly 2pm-5pm) when many shops close in smaller towns - it’s the perfect time for a swim or rest. Dress modestly when visiting monasteries and churches (covered shoulders and knees for all).  

Learn a few basic Greek phrases; a cheerful "Yassas" (hello) and "Efharisto" (thank you) go a very long way. And remember, especially in high summer, stay sun-smart with high-factor sunscreen, a hat, and seeking shade during peak hours. Although rare on the islands, be sure to take note of any forest fires - we know you're on holiday but it's good to keep an eye on the news bulletins.  

Most importantly, adopt the Greek ‘sigá sigá’ (slowly, slowly) mindset. Schedules are fluid, service is relaxed, and the best moments often come from unexpected detours and conversations with locals, who are usually proud to share their home with you.  

And finally, if you have any questions, you can always rely on the experts at Cassidy Travel, - they have extensive hands-on knowledge - to give you all the answers you're looking for.