Logistics · Country Guide
Island-hop between volcanic walls, limestone caves, and clear-water Mediterranean bays
Updated Dec 7, 2025 • 23 sources
Use this travel brief to set arrival flow, local transit, and gear movement before you lock your itinerary.
Most international travelers connect through Athens, then continue by domestic flight or ferry to the island group they want to focus on. If you want to minimize transfers, fly directly to an island gateway (seasonal routes are common in summer) and build a single-region itinerary. For mixed dive and cultural travel, Athens plus one island base is a reliable first trip.
Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos
ATH • LGAV
35 km • 35 km ride (metro, taxi, or bus)
Main gateway for Greece. Best for the mainland, quick shore dives near 2nd Limanaki, and ferry connections to many island groups via Athens ports.
Transport: Metro, Airport express buses, Taxis, Car rentals, Pre-booked transfers
Thessaloniki Airport Makedonia
SKG • LGTS
17 km • 17 km drive
Gateway for northern Greece and Chalkidiki, with access to Aegean coastal diving like Ampelos I.
Transport: Taxis, Public buses, Car rentals, Pre-booked transfers
Heraklion International Airport Nikos Kazantzakis
HER • LGIR
5 km • 5 km drive
Primary gateway for central and eastern Crete, close to dive infrastructure around Mononaftis, Kreta and Mades.
Transport: Taxis, Public buses, Car rentals, Pre-booked transfers
On the mainland, buses and trains connect major cities, but divers often prefer rental cars for reaching small coves and early departures. On islands, transport ranges from good public buses (popular islands) to 'car-or-scooter recommended' on quieter islands. Ferry schedules are weather-sensitive, so keep buffer time between islands and avoid tight connections to international flights.
Greece is in the Schengen Area. EU/EEA/Swiss travelers can enter with a national ID or passport. Many other nationalities can enter visa-free for short stays (commonly up to 90 days in any 180-day period), while others need a Schengen visa. ETIAS is not currently operational and is scheduled to start operations in late 2026, so be cautious of scam websites claiming to sell authorizations. Entry procedures can change, so confirm requirements with your airline and an official government source before travel.
Most dive centers provide tanks and weights, and many can arrange nitrox in popular hubs. If you bring full gear, pack regulators and computers in carry-on and keep a soft bag for ferry life. Rocky shore entries are common, so booties help. If you plan technical or specialty diving, contact operators in advance about gas fills, spares, and carry limits on small boats.
Euro (EUR)
Cards are widely accepted in cities and popular islands, but cash is useful for small tavernas, taxis, and remote beach services. Always carry a backup option on ferry days.
ATMs are common in major towns and ports. Coverage can be thin in small villages and quieter islands, so withdraw before you go remote.
230V • 50Hz • C, F
Most accommodations use standard European plugs. On boats, outlets can be limited, so bring a compact power strip and charge during land time.
Communications
Greece has strong mobile coverage in cities and many islands, with gaps in remote coves and mountainous interiors. Local SIMs and eSIMs are easy to set up, and cafes and hotels commonly offer Wi-Fi. Save offline ferry tickets and maps in case coverage drops.
Language
Greek is the official language. English is widely spoken in tourist areas and dive centers, but learning a few basics helps in smaller towns.
Insurance
For divers, carry coverage that includes diving accidents, hyperbaric treatment, and medical transport between islands if needed. For all travelers, confirm what your regular health policy covers abroad and keep digital copies of documents accessible offline.
Packing list
Pack for sun, rock entries, and variable water temperature by season.
