Greece Travel Guide for Indians 2026 — Athens, Santorini, Visa & Cost
Greece is the stuff of daydreams — whitewashed villages tumbling toward an impossibly blue Aegean, ancient temples on city hilltops, sun-baked islands, and a food culture built on olive oil, fresh vegetables and long lazy meals. For Indian travellers it’s a bucket-list European trip that blends serious history (the Acropolis, Delphi) with pure island relaxation (Santorini, Mykonos) — and it’s surprisingly vegetarian-friendly into the bargain.
This guide covers entry for Indians, the best time to go, how to reach Greece, the top places, food, a sample itinerary, a realistic budget and practical tips.
Do Indians need a visa for Greece?
Greece is part of the Schengen Area, so Indians need a Schengen tourist visa applied for in advance. The process needs documents like confirmed bookings, travel insurance and financials. Plan ahead — see the full Schengen visa guide for Indians for the step-by-step.
Best time to visit Greece
The best months are late April to June and September to October — warm, sunny and less crowded than peak summer, with islands fully open and gentler prices. July–August is hot, busy and pricey (but buzzing). Winter is quiet, with many island businesses closed, though Athens and the mainland remain rewarding.
How to reach Greece from India
One-stop flights connect major Indian cities to Athens via European or Gulf hubs. From Athens, domestic flights and ferries reach the islands — Santorini and Mykonos are well connected by both. Allow time for ferry schedules and book island hops in advance in summer.
Top things to do in Greece
In Athens, climb to the Acropolis and the Parthenon, explore the Plaka old town and the superb Acropolis Museum. Santorini delivers the iconic caldera views, blue-domed Oia sunsets and volcanic beaches. Mykonos brings windmills, whitewashed lanes and nightlife. For more history, day-trip to Delphi or the ancient theatre at Epidaurus; for fewer crowds, consider Naxos, Milos or Crete (Knossos, beaches and gorges). A catamaran cruise or a sunset sail rounds out the island experience.
Food in Greece
Greek cuisine is a vegetarian’s delight: Greek salad, fava, gigantes (baked beans), dolmades, spanakopita (spinach pie), grilled vegetables, tzatziki, fresh bread and feta, and abundant olive oil. Meat-eaters enjoy souvlaki and gyros; seafood is excellent on the islands. Vegans manage well with the many bean and vegetable mezze. End meals with baklava and Greek yoghurt with honey. Indian travellers find the flavours fresh and easy to enjoy.
Sample 7–8 day itinerary
Days 1–2 (Athens): Acropolis, museum, Plaka, optional Delphi day trip. Days 3–5 (Santorini): Caldera villages, Oia sunset, a catamaran cruise and beaches. Days 6–7 (Mykonos or Naxos): Beaches, old town and relaxation. Day 8: Return to Athens to fly home. Adjust islands to taste — Naxos/Milos for calmer, Mykonos for livelier.
Budget breakdown
Greece is mid-to-higher priced, especially the islands in summer. Mid-range travellers spend roughly ₹8,000–15,000 per person per day on the ground (island hotels, meals, ferries, activities); shoulder season is noticeably cheaper. Budget travellers using guesthouses, ferries and casual tavernas can do ₹5,000–8,000/day. Flights from India typically cost ₹45,000–75,000 return. The currency is the euro.
Practical tips
Book Santorini stays and sunset-view dinners well ahead in season. Use ferries for scenic, cheaper island hops, flights to save time. Carry comfortable shoes for ancient sites and island steps. Sun protection is essential in summer. Tap water is fine in Athens but variable on some islands (locals often drink bottled). Tap your Schengen visa documents in order early, as appointments can fill up.
Is Greece safe for Indian travellers?
Greece is generally very safe, including for families and solo women, with petty pickpocketing in crowded Athens areas the main concern. Use normal precautions on public transport and at busy sights, and take care with ferry schedules and sea conditions in windy weather.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Greece? About a week covers Athens plus one or two islands comfortably.
Is Greece vegetarian-friendly? Very — mezze, salads, pies and bean dishes make it easy.
Which Greek island is best for first-timers? Santorini for views, Mykonos for buzz, Naxos for a calmer, value-friendly mix.
Before you book: check entry rules in the visa checker, estimate spend with the Trip Cost Calculator, and browse more international travel guides.
Last updated: June 2026. Visa rules, fees and fares change often — always confirm on the official government portal before booking.
