Athens
The cradle of Western civilisation — and a surprisingly cool, modern city beneath the Acropolis.
- Acropolis and Parthenon
- Acropolis Museum
- Plaka and Anafiotika neighbourhoods
- Day trip to Cape Sounion
🇬🇷 Destination guide
Greece
Ancient ruins, white-and-blue islands and the original Mediterranean.
Visa fee
€90
Processing
15 calendar days; can be 30 in peak season
Apply earliest
6 months before departure
Currency
Euro (€)
Visa application
Getting your visa for Greece
Where to apply
Greek Consulate or Embassy in your country (some outsource to VFS)
Submitted through: Direct at the consulate in many countries; VFS in others
When to apply
Earliest: 6 months before departure
Latest: at least 15 days before departure
Processing time
15 calendar days; can be 30 in peak season
Always plan with a 2–4 week buffer to be safe.
Fee
€90 for adults (€45 children 6–12, free under 6)
Service-provider fees (VFS, BLS, TLS) are extra.
Country-specific tips
- Greek consulates can be slower in May–August — apply early.
- If you're island-hopping, list every island and its dates clearly in your itinerary.
- Ferry tickets are accepted as proof of inter-island travel.
- Hotels on islands often only accept bookings with non-refundable deposits — that's fine for the visa file.
Official source: Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Travel guide
Exploring Greece
Best time to visit
May, June, September — warm and not crowded. July/August is peak (and expensive).
Language
Greek (English in tourist areas)
Daily cost
€80–€140 on the mainland; €120–€200 on popular islands.
Currency
Euro (€)
Top cities & regions
Santorini
The iconic white-and-blue village on a volcanic caldera. Pricey but unforgettable at sunset.
- Oia sunset
- Red Beach and Akrotiri
- Catamaran tour around the caldera
Crete
Greece's biggest island — ancient palaces, mountains, beaches and famously hearty food.
- Knossos archaeological site
- Samaria Gorge hike
- Chania Old Town
- Elafonissi pink-sand beach
Practical tips
- Bring cash for small islands — ATMs can run out in summer.
- Ferries are sold via Bluestar, ANEK and SeaJets — book early in peak season.
- Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory (5–10% in restaurants).
Other destinations
Explore more Schengen countries
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