Greece is one of Germany’s most popular holiday destinations — particularly in summer. The classic routes (Santorini, Mykonos, Athens) are well-trodden but remain worth doing. Here is how to approach a trip from Germany.
Getting There
Flights from Munich, Frankfurt, Berlin, and Düsseldorf run year-round to Athens (2.5–3.5 hours). To Santorini, direct flights operate from April through October from major German airports. Budget airlines (Ryanair, Eurowings) serve Greek destinations extensively; Aegean Airlines and Olympic Air offer full-service options. The ferry network within Greece is extensive — Athens Piraeus port to Santorini is a 5–8 hour overnight ferry (catamaran 4 hours).
Athens: Better Than Its Reputation
Athens has been underestimated as a city destination for decades. Beyond the Acropolis (remarkable in person — no photo conveys the scale), the food scene in Monastiraki, Psiri, and Koukaki neighbourhoods is excellent and affordable. Street food (souvlaki, gyros from a proper gyradiko) costs €2–4 and is genuinely good. The National Archaeological Museum is among the world’s best classical collections. Athens in late September or October has ideal weather, far fewer tourists, and competitive prices.
Santorini: Worth It and Expensive
Santorini is genuinely beautiful — the caldera view from Oia is one of Europe’s iconic landscapes. It is also expensive, crowded in July–August, and full of people who came primarily for Instagram photos. Visit in June or September for better prices and manageable crowds. The caldera walk from Fira to Oia (10km, 2–3 hours) is better than the famous sunset — arrive for sunrise instead.
The Underrated Islands
Naxos (largest Cyclades island, excellent beaches, affordable, direct ferry from Athens), Paros (more relaxed than Mykonos, excellent tavernas), and Crete (big enough to drive around, beaches range from accessible to remote, Heraklion Archaeological Museum for Minoan artefacts) are all worth considering over Santorini and Mykonos if you want better value and fewer crowds.
