eSIM for Greece
Mobile data from the moment you land, no roaming fees and no SIM swap.
What makes Greece special
Greece is a mainland plus hundreds of islands, and the mood changes a lot, from Athens with its ruins and city traffic to the Cyclades with white villages and the Ionian Islands with greener hills.
From Zurich it is about three hours by air.
If you island-hop, leave slack in the ferry plan, since timetables and weather shift. Inland there are monasteries, gorges and villages, and the island group you choose decides whether your holiday feels quiet or lively.
Ideal for: Island hoppers, Groups of friends, History fans, Couples
When to travel
January
Low season
Low season. Usually quiet, but some offers run on reduced schedules or pause.
February
Low season
Low season. Usually quiet, but some offers run on reduced schedules or pause.
March
Low season
Low season. Usually quiet, but some offers run on reduced schedules or pause.
April
Outside the months we recommend. Write to us if you want to travel exactly then.
May
Shoulder season
Shoulder season. Often pleasant and quieter than high season.
June
Shoulder season
Shoulder season. Often pleasant and quieter than high season.
July
High season
High season. Beaches and sights are usually busier, so it pays to book accommodation and transport early.
August
High season
High season. Beaches and sights are usually busier, so it pays to book accommodation and transport early.
September
Shoulder season
Shoulder season. Often pleasant and quieter than high season.
October
Shoulder season
Shoulder season. Often pleasant and quieter than high season.
November
Low season
Low season. Usually quiet, but some offers run on reduced schedules or pause.
December
Low season
Low season. Usually quiet, but some offers run on reduced schedules or pause.
By region
Athens and the mainland
Spring and autumn are pleasant for sightseeing. In July and August Athens can get very hot.
Cyclades and Crete
The swimming season runs roughly from June to October. In high summer the Cyclades often see strong winds, which can affect ferries.
Ionian Islands
Somewhat greener and wetter than the Aegean, yet warm in summer. Late May to June and September are usually relaxed.
The weather now and in the coming days
Weather currently unavailable
Weather data: MET Norway, CC BY 4.0
What you need to enter
Pick your passport and we show you the entry rule.
Entry rule
No visa needed
For Swiss citizens
Greece is in the Schengen area, so Swiss visitors usually do not need a visa for a holiday stay. At entry an ID card or passport is normally accepted, and either should be valid. Read the FDFA advice shortly before departure, without guarantee.
No guarantee – the official authority is binding.
Money and budget
- Currency
- Euro (EUR)
- Exchange rate
- Rate currently unavailable
Daily budget per person
Frugal
CHF 85
per day
Comfortable
CHF 150
per day
Generous
CHF 280
per day
Guide values excluding flights, in CHF.
How to get there and get around
Flight time from Zurich
approx. 2 h 50 min
To Athens, 3 h 20 min to Crete, and to many islands seasonal direct flights or one stop
Getting around
Ferries connect the islands, but timetables depend on season and weather, so book key connections early and keep a spare day before your flight home. On the islands a rental car or scooter is handy, and traffic keeps right. Athens has a metro, tram and buses.
Connected and mobile on the ground
Car rental in Greece
Compare rental cars and explore on your own schedule.
Airport transfer
Fixed price, driver waiting: a relaxed ride from the airport to your stay.
Activities in Greece
Secure tours and tickets in advance.
Partner links: we may earn a commission, the price stays the same for you.
Where to go
Athens and around
The Acropolis, Plaka and the Archaeological Museum, with day trips to Cape Sounion or Delphi. Visit the Acropolis early, while it is still cooler.
Cyclades
Santorini, Naxos, Paros and Milos with white villages, beaches and sunsets. Naxos and Paros are calmer than Santorini and Mykonos.
Crete
Beaches like Elafonisi, the Samaria Gorge (seasonal access), Chania and Rethymno. The island is big enough for a trip of its own.
Ionian Islands
Corfu, Zakynthos and Kefalonia, with green hills, coves and small towns shaped by Venice.
Photos: 20100706 Terrace of the Lions Delos Cyclades Greece by Ggia, CC BY-SA 3.0; Attica 06-13 Athens 50 View from Philopappos - Acropolis Hill by A.Savin, CC BY-SA 3.0; 1000 Three domes of Oia in Santorini Photo by Giles Laurent by Giles Laurent, CC BY-SA 4.0; Ελαφονήσι 1275 by C messier, CC BY-SA 4.0. Cropped and compressed. This adaptation is also licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where to sleep
Athens
Small hotels and apartments in Plaka, Monastiraki or Koukaki
Islands
Studios, guesthouses and boutique hotels, book early in summer
Mainland
Family-run places, for example near Meteora or in Delphi
Travel well prepared
Travel advice
Current travel advice and the security situation are published by the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs.
View FDFA travel adviceHealth
No vaccinations are required to enter. The sun is fierce, especially on the islands. When swimming off rocks, look at the water first. During heatwaves, hikes around midday are not a good idea. Make sure your cover includes boat or air rescue from remote islands.
We are happy to advise you on travel insurance.
Good to know
- Language
- Greek
- Plugs
- Type C, F
- Dialling code
- +30
- Traffic
- Drives on the right
- Tipping
- Tipping is optional. Rounding up or leaving five to ten percent is common, and bread and water may appear as a cover charge.
- Internet
- On big islands and in cities the signal is good, but it is weaker on small islands and in the mountains. Compare roaming with an eSIM.
- Customs
- The euro is the currency. Cards are fine in cities and hotels, while small islands and tavernas often prefer cash. Sockets are types C and F, so Swiss type J plugs need an adapter. Cover shoulders and knees in monasteries and churches. If a sign asks for it, put toilet paper in the bin; this mostly applies in older buildings.
How long to stay
Recommended length
10 to 14 days
Suggested route
- Athens (3 nights) for the Acropolis and old town
- Naxos or Paros (4 nights) in the Cyclades
- Santorini or Milos (3 nights)
- Optionally Crete (4 nights) as a stop of its own
Frequently asked questions
When should I go to Greece?
For islands and beaches, late May to June and September. July and August are hot and crowded, and in winter many ferries and hotels on the islands scale back.
What budget should I plan?
About CHF 85 to 150 a day for simple to comfortable travel, closer to CHF 280 with nicer stays on Santorini or Mykonos. Ferries and rental cars are extra.
Do I have to bring a passport?
Not necessarily, as an ID card is usually enough. A passport is the safest choice if you are unsure about your ID card. Look at the FDFA for the current position.
How does island hopping by ferry work?
There are large lines and fast boats between the main islands. Timetables depend on season and weather and can change at short notice, so plan with a buffer and book key legs early.
How do I get around on the islands?
By bus, taxi, rental car or scooter. If you ride a scooter, wear a helmet, as the roads are twisty and traffic can be tight.
What do I do in an emergency?
The European emergency number 112 works in Greece too. Check before you leave whether your insurance also covers transport from remote islands.
How many days should I plan?
Athens takes 2 to 3 days. With two weeks you can combine Athens and two or three islands without packing your bag constantly.
We plan your trip to Greece
In a free intro call we cover your wishes, dates and budget. Afterwards you receive a quote with options.
Pick a slot in the calendar right away – or message us wherever suits you best.
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