Greece is somewhat smaller than the state of Alabama at 51,000 square miles. Depending on how you define an island, there are between 1,200 and 6,000 islands in the Ionian and Aegean seas that make up the geography.

Thessaloniki, in the north, is around 300 miles from Athens; plan on an hour-long flight or a roughly five-hour drive. It will take you an hour to fly or 5-8 hours to travel by ferry from Athens to Crete, which is around 250 miles away. Ferries, hydrofoils, and catamarans, as well as a large number of regional airports, make it simple to travel between island chains.

The port of Piraeus, which is close to the Athens International Airport, is the starting point for trips to Crete and a number of Aegean island chains, such as the Dodecanese, Cyclades, and Northern Aegean islands. You will probably take a ferry to Igoumenitsa (in Epirus) or Patras to get to the Ionian islands (on the Peloponnese). If you’re not in a rush and intend to go by ferry, it would be lovely but time-consuming to travel from Greece to Turkey or Italy.

Greece is a Euro user.

Greek is spoken by the Greeks, but English is perfectly adequate. The majority of persons under 40 speak English with varied degrees of ability, and it is commonly spoken by those working in the tourism and hospitality industries and in places with high visitor traffic. Road signs in large cities are frequently bilingual, but if you’re travelling outside of the city, it’s helpful to understand the Greek alphabet.

As with visiting any foreign country, it’s good to learn a few basic Greek words to communicate with natives in an appropriate manner. Beginning with “thank you” and “please” (parakalo) is always a good idea.

Come to Greece prepared with a few essential items in your luggage, whether you intend to see historical places or simply laze on the beach. Pack comfortable shoes and light, breathable clothing if your schedule includes a lot of rocky ruins and cities with cobblestone streets. Wintertime travel? Don’t forget to pack a lightweight raincoat and umbrella. As many islands and archaeological sites lack shade during the summer, be sure to pack warm-weather necessities like sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat to protect you.

Pack some sturdy sandals for walking around and perhaps some water shoes if you’re going to the islands, especially if you plan to visit Santorini’s black, volcanic beaches.

Greek food won’t dissapoint if you enjoy natural ingredients, strong flavours, and a wide variety of dishes. Expect briny Kalamata olives, salty cheeses, seafood that has just been caught, buttery lamb, spicy olive oils, and flaky pastries made of an absurdly light phyllo dough. Greek food is the best example of what the Mediterranean has to offer.

Rich coffee and something straightforward like tiropita (a cheese-filled pastry), yoghurt and honey, or fresh bread are staples of the Greek breakfast. Lunch and dinner can be quick and simple, like a pita sandwich with lamb souvlaki or gyro meat, or they can be elaborate affairs with a spread of mezze (hot and cold appetizers, bites, and dips), salad, roasted meats or casseroles, and fresh bread. Enjoy your meal slowly as you sip ouzo flavoured with anise or