Greece All-Inclusive Travel Guide
Greece has quietly become one of Europe's best all-inclusive destinations, thanks largely to a wave of luxury resorts — Ikos chief among them — that reinvented the format on islands like Crete, Corfu, Kos, and the Halkidiki peninsula. Here's what to know before you book.
Last reviewed June 2026 · Always confirm entry and safety details with official government sources before you travel.
Do you need a visa for Greece?
U.S. and Canadian citizens can visit Greece visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period — you just need a passport valid for at least three months beyond your stay.
One change is on the horizon: the EU's new ETIAS travel authorization is set to launch in late 2026 and become required around 2027. It's a quick online approval (about €20), valid for multiple trips over several years — not a visa. Until it's required you travel as before, but check the official EU site (travel-europe.europa.eu) for current timing.
Is Greece safe?
Greece is among the safer countries you can visit, and the resort islands are especially low-key. The usual European caveats apply: watch for pickpockets in tourist crowds, and note the occasional strike or demonstration in Athens. Use normal precautions and you'll have no issues — check travel.state.gov for the current advisory.
Currency and tipping
Greece uses the euro. Tipping is modest and not aggressively expected: round up or leave 5–10% at restaurants for good service, and a euro or two for housekeeping and drivers. Cards are widely accepted, but carry some cash for small tavernas and island shops.
When to visit
Greek-island season runs May through October. July and August are hot, busy, and priciest, while late May, June, and September give you warm seas with thinner crowds and better value. Many island resorts close over winter.
Getting there & around
Many island resorts have direct seasonal flights from European hubs; otherwise you'll connect through Athens (ATH) — or Thessaloniki (SKG) for the Halkidiki peninsula — to island airports like Crete (Heraklion or Chania), Corfu, Kos, or Rhodes. Greece drives on the right; resort transfers cover arrivals, and a rental car is handy for exploring an island independently.
What to do beyond the resort
Beyond the beach, explore whitewashed villages and harbors, take a boat day-trip to hidden coves, and eat your way through family tavernas. Crete has the Minoan palace of Knossos and dramatic gorges; Corfu its Venetian old town; Rhodes its walled medieval city; and almost everywhere, sunsets worth planning dinner around.
Good to know
Power & plugs: 230V, European Type C/F — bring an adapter. Language: Greek, with English widely spoken in tourism. Water: tap water is fine on the mainland and many islands, though bottled is common on smaller ones. Dress: beach-casual, smart-casual at à la carte dinners, and cover up at monasteries.
The best all-inclusive resorts in Greece
The Greece properties we'd actually book — tap through for photos, real guest ratings, and what's included.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa for Greece?
No — U.S. and Canadian citizens can visit visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180. The EU's ETIAS authorization launches in late 2026 and becomes required around 2027 (a ~€20 online approval, not a visa); check the official EU site for timing.
What is ETIAS?
A new EU travel authorization for visa-exempt visitors, launching late 2026 and expected to be required in 2027. It's a quick online application (about €20) valid for multiple trips over several years — not a visa. Until it's required, you travel as before.
Is Greece safe?
Yes — it's among the safer destinations, and resort islands are very low-key. Use normal precautions against pickpockets in tourist crowds, and note occasional strikes in Athens. Check travel.state.gov for the current advisory.
Do you tip in Greece?
Modestly. Round up or leave 5–10% at restaurants, and a euro or two for housekeeping and drivers. It's appreciated, not obligatory.
When is the best time to visit the Greek islands?
May through October. July–August are hottest and busiest; late May, June, and September give you warm seas, fewer crowds, and better prices. Many island resorts close in winter.
Do I need a rental car?
Not at an all-inclusive — resort transfers cover arrivals. A car is handy for exploring an island independently, but it's optional.
Not sure which Greece resort is right for you?
Take our two-minute quiz and we'll match you — or browse the whole collection.