Cheap flights to Greece

Drinking ouzo, smashing plates, swimming in a warm sea at midnight, eating a late supper on a vine-drenched terrace, relaxing under olive trees, visiting the Minoan palaces or the ruins of the Acropolis, or even visiting the gods on Mount Olympus are all possible ways to spend your time in Greece.

Arguably the birthplace of the civilised world, Greek history spans four millennia. Greece gave the world literature, drama and philosophy, not to mention the Olympic Games. As well as the Ancient Greeks, the country contains the history of many other great powers, including the Romans, Arabs and the Byzantine Empire.

But the country is not just a museum of great civilisations. Travellers book flights to mainland Greece to visit some often overlooked wonders of spectacular natural beauty alongside historical sites. Lakes, mountains and volcanoes can all be explored.

More than 100 of the famed Greek islands are inhabited and hopping from one to another is the perfect beach holiday. Partying, quiet contemplation and everything in between is catered for somewhere on one of the islands. Most Greece flights arrive via Athens, but many of the islands have their own airports and plenty of ferries operate between them. 

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Greece climate

Greece’s Mediterranean climate allows for long, warm summers with 11 hours of sunshine per day. The hottest days are made more bearable by seasonal winds called meltemi. Winters are mild in the low areas, but the mountains are cooler and snowy. Athens averages a temperature of 10 degrees in January and February.

When is the best time to fly to Greece?

Peak Season:

Mid-June to the end of August is high season for most of Greece, when the temperatures are hottest. Easter time to mid-June is also very popular as the weather is still very warm, though not unbearably hot. You may be able to pick up some cheaper deals at this time of year though. Late August to mid-October is Greece’s shoulder season. The temperatures are still high (substantially higher than the UK and Ireland) and most resorts and attractions still open, but prices are much lower than early or high summer so cheap flights and accommodation are easier to find.

Off Season:

October to April is off season. Though you will find the cheapest deals at this time, much of the tourist parts of Greece close down around this time. Unless you’re in Athens you may find that there is little to do and hardly any hotels or restaurants that are open.

Getting around Greece

Trains run on the mainland only and have daily services to most destinations but the routes are limited. They are run by Hellenic Railways Organisation.

Buses are the best method of public transport – even the smallest towns are connected to the bus network. KTEL is the intercity coach service.

Cars and scooters are readily available for hire.

Greece has an excellent network of connection by sea travel with ferries, hydrofoils and passenger boats. All of the islands and mainland are all well-connected and it is very easy to get a boat.

Flights are easy to catch between islands or from Athens to the islands. Olympic Airlines and Aegean Airlines both have domestic Greek flights.

How long is the flight to Greece?

Flights to Greece vary in duration and price. There are routes with one stopover, two stopovers, and three stopovers. There are also cheaper options with one stopover, and the last leg of the journey can be taken by train. The quicker flights are with Swiss, taking 16h 20min with a short stopover in Zurich of 55min. Longer flights with one or more stops range from 16h-44h 40min. Flights leave from Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) and finally land at Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) in the main terminal. At Athens Airport, there are various ways to get to the city centre, including bus, taxi, train, metro, and car hire. It takes about 40min. Flights to Greece's second busiest airport, Heraklion International Airport (HER) on the island of Crete, range from 17h 30min–26h.

Where can you get direct flights to Greece from?

Unfortunately, when looking for Greece flight deals, there are currently no direct routes. Every trip has one to three stopovers. These flights use multiple air carriers, including Swiss, Turkish Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, KLM, Qatar, and others. Some stopovers take place in Doha, Zurich, Bangkok, Amsterdam, Singapore, Frankfurt, Copenhagen, Istanbul, and a few other cities. Stopovers on the route to Heraklion may include Athens, Frankfurt, Zurich, and Munich with multiple airlines.

What is the best way to travel around Greece?

There are different ways to get around Greece depending on your destinations and the amount of time you have to explore the country. Plenty of domestic air flights to the different cities in Greece are available, giving you more time for your holiday. Make sure to book beforehand though, as they sell out quickly in the high season. Another choice of travel is by boat. Ferries create a network between the islands and the mainland. Other boating options include catamarans and overnight boats with cabins. Once again, it's best to book ahead of time. Air-conditioned bus is another reliable means of transport between the Greek cities. There are plenty of affordable and frequent bus trips available. Car hire and, for the more adventurous, motorcycle hire give you more flexibility and are available everywhere. Travel by train is a little limited and not recommended. The popular trip from Athens to Santorini can be taken by overnight ferry, with sleeping cabins the most comfortable option for a nine-hour ferry ride.

What are some things to do in Greece?

Greece's ancient mythology, archaeology, history, art, and philosophy add to the fascination of the country. Found throughout the romantic islands surrounded by azure seas are crumbling ruins, museums, and scenic coastal towns. When in Athens, you can't miss the Acropolis. The ancient marble architecture with the Doric columns and spectacular temples lined with pathways allow you to stroll around at your leisure to reach the highlight of the complex, the iconic Parthenon. Venture to the islands and experience places like the beautiful Santorini with some of the best views in the country. See the Gramvousa Peninsula on the island of Crete with a visit to Balos Beach, an amazing place to relax and enjoy the ocean. The beach comprises lagoons with water so clear that the fish and shellfish are visible. For the more active, you can hike the challenging Corfu Trail over a few days, which takes you through various landscapes. Historians will enjoy the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Delphi on the side of Mount Parnassus.

Do I need a passport or visa to fly to Greece?

Although a Greek tourist visa is not needed for citizens of Hong Kong for a stay up to 90 days in any six-month period from the date of first entry, you still require a passport. Please check with the airlines from your cheap flights to Greece regarding your connecting flights in case the countries you pass through need a separate transit visa. Then check that your passport is valid for six months after your travel dates and that it has a few blank pages. Finally, always double-check with the Greek embassy on any updated requirements.

What is good to know if travelling to Greece?

• Mainland Greece is often overlooked, apart from Athens and Mount Olympus. One place worth discovering is the Peloponissos, which has a spectacular landscape of mountains, caves, volcanoes, the sea as well as beaches. The Diros Caves, five miles south of Aeropolis, are part of an underground river. Five thousand metres has been exposed and you can take a boat trip among the huge stalactites and stalagmites.
• Smoggy Athens is home to some of Greece’s most historic sites: the Acropolis, the theatre of Dionysus, the Roman Forum, the Temple of Zeus. But while you’re there, don’t forget to see some of living Athens. The 2004 Olympics gave the city a much-needed facelift, making the capital much more appealing to tourists. Visit the ancient neighbourhoods, especially Plaka, the oldest section of the city. A particularly lively time to visit is during Apokries, or carnival, in the run up to Lent.
• Crete is the largest and most popular of the Greek islands, with two international airports and a huge variety of tourist destinations. But though the northeast coast is getting overdeveloped, head inland and you’ll still find towns and villages largely undisturbed by tourists. It’s the perfect island if you want to combine lazing on a beach with exploration of historical sites – Crete was the home of King Minos who ruled the Ancient Greek world.
• Zante or Zakynthos, on the Ionian islands, is another popular holiday destination. The beautiful and verdant island is nothing short of idyllic – except if you’re stuck with hordes of tourists. To enjoy it on your own, stay clear of Laganas, the biggest resort on the island, and try to visit any popular attractions – such as the Blue Caves or Shipwreck Beach – in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday rush.
• Trivago is a useful website for information about accommodation in Greece. The site contains user reviews and recommendations on a range of hotels across the country, including those in Athens, Crete and Zakynthos.