Greece is one of the most beloved countries, and rightly so, not just for specific travelers but for tourists of all ages from around the world who vote with their feet.
The variety of destinations, the ability to tailor the vacation to different budgets, and the fact that it can be enjoyed year-round make it a preferred destination.
When you add the easy accessibility that allows for direct flights from many countries, one can understand why Greece has been at the top of the most sought-after destinations for years. (For example, in 2025, millions of tourists visited the country, making it one of the most popular global hotspots).
But how do you get to Greece? Below is a variety of arrival options you might not have thought of, from the fastest (flight) to the experiential (cruise and car). Join us on a journey that will bring you closest to the country we love to love.
Arriving in Greece by Air: The Main Gateway to the Country
Major Airports in Greece (Mainland)
Athens (Eleftherios Venizelos) – ATH
Athens Airport is the main gateway to mainland Greece and the islands. It is the only airport in Europe that utilizes renewable energy and is considered one of the most modern airports in the world.
The airport, which began operations in 2001, has won international awards and recognition, leading to its selection as one of the most functional and comfortable airports in Europe.
The airport is located 33 km southeast of Athens and has links to public transportation lines: suburban railway, metro, and buses reaching key destinations in Athens and Greece. This means travelers intending to leave on the same day for the islands can reach the ports of Piraeus, Rafina, and Lavrio using these means of transport.
Want to know who Eleftherios Venizelos was, after whom the airport is named? There is a museum on-site that will let you know everything.
Thessaloniki (Makedonia Airport) – SKG
The airport of Thessaloniki is the starting point for Northern Greece (Macedonia and Thessaly regions) and is the third-largest airport in Greece in terms of traffic. It serves as the hub for winter tourism (mainly skiing), culinary tourism, and adventure tourism (Jeep tours, treks, cycling, and horse riding).
The airport is located at the northwestern tip of the Halkidiki peninsula on the eastern shore of the Thermaic Gulf. It is situated about 15 km south of the city center of Thessaloniki and has existed since 1930, first as a military airfield and since 1948 as a civilian airport. The airport can be reached via city buses.
The airport expansion carried out between 1997-2020 included extending it by 1,000 meters into the bay waters, with the runway’s control and lighting system extending another 750 meters into the bay.
Details on additional airports in Greece can be found here.
Airports in the Greek Islands Popular for Holiday Flights
During the tourist seasons, there are direct flights to various destinations in the Greek islands such as Crete, Rhodes, Kos, Mykonos, and Santorini. Airports in these islands receive hundreds of charter and direct flights from across Europe and the world. Here are their international codes for booking flights:
- Crete – The island has 2 airports: Heraklion (HER) and Chania (CHQ)
- Rhodes – RHO
- Corfu – CFU
- Kos – KGS
- Zakynthos – ZTH
Aviation codes for additional islands in Greece can be found here.
Airlines Operating to Greece
The air routes to Greece are considered some of the busiest thanks to a wide range of options throughout the year.
Greece’s national carrier (Aegean Airlines) operates daily flights to Athens and Thessaloniki from major hubs. Alongside them, low-cost companies like Wizz Air, Ryanair, and EasyJet operate regular flights to key destinations in Greece.
During the tourist season, dozens of seasonal charter flights are added, focusing mainly on popular holiday islands.
The main difference between charter flights and scheduled flights is this: scheduled flights are sold directly and regularly throughout the year, while charter flights are often sold as part of vacation packages by tour operators and depend on demand (meaning their schedule may change).
Arriving in Greece by Sea: The Blue Journey
Many shipping companies operate a modern and luxurious fleet for arriving in Greece, including local ferries considered to be of a particularly high standard. All Greek islands are connected to the mainland, and there is also regular service between them, allowing for a pampering and diverse vacation in the islands.
The Greek merchant fleet consists of all types of vessels (passenger ships, ferries, hydrofoils, etc.) operating on local and international routes. It is incredibly modern, ensuring passengers a fast, reliable, and enjoyable voyage.
Major Seaports in Greece
- Piraeus Port: The main maritime gateway to Greece, serving as Athens’ natural port connecting to Crete, the Aegean Islands (Cyclades, Dodecanese, etc.), and the Saronic Islands.
- Rafina Port: A faster alternative for some islands close to Athens, connecting to Crete, the Aegean Islands (Cyclades, Dodecanese, etc.), and the Saronic Islands.
- Patras Port: The most important port in Western Greece and the gateway for those arriving by ferry from Italy (for travelers combining neighboring countries) and to the Ionian Islands.
- Igoumenitsa Port – A port in the Epirus region of northwestern Greece on the Ionian Sea shores. The port serves as a main gateway to Northern Greece and connects it with Corfu and Italy. This port constitutes the western terminus of the “Egnatia Odos” (Egnatia Odos) highway crossing Greece.
- Volos Port – A port in the Thessaly region serving as the gateway to the Sporades Islands.
Types of Vessels
Maritime transport in Greece is the country’s main lifeline, based on ferries connecting the ports to the islands. The main vessels in Greece are divided into two main types directly affecting travel time, cost, and the travel experience.
Conventional Ferries
These are wide-bodied ships operated by companies like Blue Star Ferries. Inside the ships, you can find restaurants, cafes, and sometimes sleeping cabins for long night sailings.
Although the ferries are slower, they are very stable even in rough seas, offer open decks for viewing the scenery, and allow for vehicle transport.
High Speed Ferries / Catamarans
These ferries significantly shorten the arrival time to the destination (sometimes by half), but they are smaller, seating is in an enclosed space, and on most, there is no option to stay on deck during the sailing or transport vehicles.
It is important to know that high-speed ferries are more sensitive to weather conditions and tend to be more expensive, while traditional ferries are considered a cheaper and more relaxed solution.
Cruises to Greece
Sailing to Greece offers an experiential and relaxed alternative to flying, allowing travelers to enjoy the journey itself as an integral part of the vacation.
Many cruise lines operate routes in the Mediterranean that include stops in Rhodes, Crete, Piraeus (Athens), and Mykonos.
Prestigious international companies like Royal Caribbean, MSC, and others operate seasonal routes in the Mediterranean, offering longer itineraries.
While various commercial shipping lines connect international ports to Greek ports (such as Piraeus and Thessaloniki), the option to join them as passengers is rare due to regulations, insurance, and security reasons—meaning they lack the necessary infrastructure to host tourists.
Arriving in Greece by Land: Car and Train
Arriving by Car
The overland journey to Greece is a fascinating alternative to flying, allowing travelers to cross the landscapes of the Balkans and Europe until entering the country. There are connections between Greece and its neighbors via a network of land entry ports at various borders:
- Bulgaria – Promachonas border crossing connecting to Northern Greece.
- North Macedonia – Evzoni border crossing.
- Turkey – Kipi border crossing.
- Albania – 4 border crossings: Kakavia (considered the main and busiest), Kristallopigi, Sagiada connecting to northwestern Greece, and Melissopetra connecting to the Konitsa region and the Vikos-Aoos National Park in Greece. Kristallopigi and Sagiada are secondary crossings, so operating hours may be limited, and it is recommended to verify in advance.
To enter Greece with a vehicle, drivers must have the required documents, including a valid international driving license and international car insurance known as a “Green Card,” covering insurance liability within Greece.
Arriving by Train
Arriving in Greece by train is done through the international rail system operated in cooperation with the Greek railway company (Hellenic Train).
Greece maintains rail connectivity with the Balkan countries and through them to the rest of Europe, with Thessaloniki’s central train station serving as the most important central crossroads in the north of the country.
This station serves as the terminus or transit point for international lines arriving from destinations like Sofia, Skopje, and Belgrade, subject to seasonal schedules and line maintenance. Please note that as of January 2026, some of these rail lines may suffer from temporary shutdowns for infrastructure work and be replaced by shuttles – requiring a schedule check in advance.
From Thessaloniki, the domestic rail network connects travelers to other key destinations within Greece, including Larissa and Athens – making Northern Greece a strategic and convenient gateway for travelers arriving from Central and Eastern Europe.
How to Get to Greece Considering the Season and Climate?
Choosing when to arrive in Greece greatly affects the nature of the vacation, as the country offers different experiences depending on the seasons and the changing climate:
Summer (June-August)
This is the peak tourist season in Greece, focusing mainly on beach vacations and active recreation. During this period, there are many direct flights to a wide range of islands and coastal destinations.
Arriving in Greece during this season is characterized by very high tourist congestion at famous sites and organized beaches, alongside temperatures that can rise above 35 degrees Celsius.
Transition Seasons (Spring and Autumn)
These periods are considered the ideal time for travelers interested in a combination of nature and culture. The weather is comfortable and mild, allowing visits to major archaeological sites like Delphi and Meteora without the oppressive heat of summer.
Spring in Greece is characterized by spectacular blooming in rivers and mountains, and in autumn, the country is covered in picturesque foliage, so no matter which transition season you choose – you will enjoy less crowding and more affordable prices.
Winter (December-March)
During this season, the number of direct flights to the islands is significantly reduced, so it is recommended to focus the visit on the big cities (Athens and Thessaloniki) or mountain tourism and skiing in Northern and Central Greece.
This is the time to enjoy the authentic local atmosphere in the cities, but one should prepare for using domestic transport and take into account climate conditions including snow in higher regions, fog, and rain.