Travel Guide to Greece and Its Islands
Greece welcomes millions of visitors every year on the mainland and across more than two hundred of its inhabited islands, and it's part of the Schengen Area, so many nationalities need a visa for short stays, with medical insurance of 30,000 euros required for those who must apply for one.
The best time to avoid both extreme heat and crowds is usually May-June or September-October, since July and August combine temperatures above 35°C on several islands with the busiest season and, at times, ferry strikes that affect inter-island itineraries.
A key fact few tourists consider: Greece has more than six thousand islands, but only a handful have their own hospital; on small islands, a serious medical emergency may require transport by ferry or helicopter to Athens or Crete.
Visa and health for travelers
Visa: Greece is part of the Schengen Area: many nationalities need a Schengen visa for short stays of up to 90 days; check the exact requirement for your passport before traveling.
Health & travel insurance: Many Greek islands only have small health centers, not full hospitals, so a serious emergency may require medical evacuation to Athens or Crete if you don't have insurance that covers it.
Best time to travel
May-June and September-October offer warm weather without the extreme heat or crowds of July-August, peak season on islands like Santorini and Mykonos. Winter is quiet on the mainland, but many islands drastically reduce their tourist and transport services.
Typical entry requirements
- Passport valid for at least three months after leaving the Schengen Area.
- Short-stay Schengen visa with 30,000-euro medical insurance for those who need one.
- Accommodation booking and itinerary, especially if the trip includes several islands with different ferries.
Health on the islands and medical evacuation
Small islands, such as some of the Cyclades, only have a basic health center; serious cases are transferred to hospitals in Athens, Crete, or Rhodes. Confirming that your travel insurance includes medical evacuation is especially relevant for island-hopping itineraries.
Why travel medical insurance matters here
An Assist-365 plan with medical evacuation coverage and trip delay protection addresses both the Schengen visa requirement and the real risk of a ferry strike or an emergency on an island without a nearby hospital. Get a quote with code MEDALLOADV2023 before booking your sea crossings.
Travel checklist for Greece
Quick list based on this guide's real data (not generic) before traveling to Greece.
- Check the visa requirement for Greece based on your passport: Greece is part of the Schengen Area: many nationalities need a Schengen visa for short stays of up to 90 days; check the exact requirement for your passport before traveling.
- Passport valid for at least 6 months from the entry date
- Travel medical insurance arranged, keeping this in mind: Many Greek islands only have small health centers, not full hospitals, so a serious emergency may require medical evacuation to Athens or Crete if you don't have insurance that covers it.
- Save Greece's emergency number: 112, along with your insurer's contact
- Cash or a no-fee card in Euro (EUR)
- Physical and digital copies of passport, insurance and bookings
- Required or recommended vaccines up to date for the region
- eSIM or international data plan active on arrival
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Greece quick facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Capital | Athens |
| Currency | Euro (EUR) |
| Language | Greek |
| Best time to visit | May-June and September-October |
| Emergency number | 112 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all Greek islands have a hospital?
No, many small islands only have a basic health center; serious cases are usually transferred to Athens, Crete, or Rhodes.
What happens if a ferry strike cancels my inter-island leg?
It depends on the airline or ferry company and your insurance; some travel assistance plans include coverage for delay or trip interruption, so it's worth confirming when you get a quote.
When is it best to avoid traveling to the Greek islands?
July and August combine the most intense heat with the highest tourist crowds; many travelers prefer May-June or September-October for similar weather with fewer people.
Does travel insurance cover a medical evacuation between islands?
Plans with medical evacuation coverage usually include transport to an appropriate hospital, even between islands; check your plan's exact coverage limit.
