Greece Travel Guide for Indians: Schengen & Island Hopping 2025

Greece Travel Guide for Indians: Schengen & Island Hopping 2025

Complete Greece trip planning - Schengen visa, Athens, Santorini, and island hopping guide

Rahul MehtaTravel & Destinations Editor
4 min read

Quick Answer

Plan your Greece trip from India. Schengen visa, budget (₹1.5-3L for 10 days), Athens, Santorini sunsets, Mykonos, and practical island hopping tips for 2025.

A 10-day Greece trip from India costs ₹1,50,000-3,00,000 including flights (₹45-70K), Schengen visa (₹7,500), accommodation (₹40-100K), and daily expenses (₹5-10K/day). Apply for Greek Schengen visa if Greece is your main destination. Best time: May-June or September-October (avoid peak July-August). Must-visit: Athens, Santorini, Mykonos. Greece offers ancient history, stunning islands, and Mediterranean cuisine.

Greece Trip Budget from India

CategoryBudgetMid-RangeLuxury
Flights (Roundtrip)₹40,000-55,000₹60,000-80,000₹1,00,000+
Schengen Visa€80 + VFS (~₹7,500)
Hotels (10 nights)₹30,000-50,000₹70,000-1,20,000₹2,00,000+
Ferries (Island hopping)₹8,000-15,000₹15,000-25,000₹30,000+
Food (10 days)₹15,000-25,000₹30,000-50,000₹70,000+
Activities₹8,000-15,000₹18,000-30,000₹45,000+
Total (10 days)₹1.1-1.7L₹2-3L₹4.5L+

Greek Schengen Visa

  • Apply at: VFS Global (Greek section)
  • Cost: €80 (~₹7,200) + VFS fee (~₹1,800)
  • Processing: 15 calendar days
  • Documents: Standard Schengen requirements + detailed itinerary
  • Tip: Apply to Greece if spending most nights there, even if entering via another Schengen country

Top Greece Destinations

Athens (2-3 days)

  • Must-see: Acropolis, Parthenon, Ancient Agora
  • Neighborhoods: Plaka, Monastiraki (flea market)
  • Food: Souvlaki, moussaka, Greek salad, ouzo
  • Day trip: Delphi (UNESCO site)

Santorini (2-3 days)

  • Famous for: Blue-domed churches, sunsets, calderas
  • Towns: Oia (sunsets), Fira (main), Imerovigli (views)
  • Activities: Wine tasting, boat tours, beach hopping
  • Budget tip: Stay in Fira, visit Oia for sunset

Mykonos (2-3 days)

  • Known for: Windmills, nightlife, beaches
  • Vibe: Party island, LGBTQ+ friendly
  • Activities: Beach clubs, Little Venice, Delos day trip

Other Islands Worth Considering

  • Crete: Largest island, beaches + history
  • Rhodes: Medieval old town, beaches
  • Corfu: Venetian influence, lush greenery
  • Naxos: Less touristy, beautiful beaches

Island Hopping Guide

Getting Between Islands

  • Ferries: Main transport - book at ferryhopper.com
  • High-speed ferry: Athens-Santorini (5 hours, €50-80)
  • Regular ferry: Slower but cheaper
  • Flights: Available between major islands
  • Tip: Book ferries 2-4 weeks ahead in summer

Sample Island Hopping Route (10 days)

  • Days 1-2: Athens - Acropolis, city exploration
  • Day 3: Ferry to Mykonos (5 hours from Piraeus)
  • Days 3-5: Mykonos - beaches, nightlife
  • Day 6: Ferry to Santorini (2-3 hours)
  • Days 6-9: Santorini - sunsets, wine, calderas
  • Day 10: Fly from Santorini to Athens, departure

Greece Tips for Indians

Food

  • Vegetarian-friendly: Greek salad, spanakopita, feta, vegetables
  • Fish sauce not common (unlike Thai/Viet cuisine)
  • Tavernas serve fresh, simple food at good prices
  • Gyros (like shawarma) is everywhere - delicious and cheap

Money

  • Currency: Euro (€)
  • Islands are expensive in peak season
  • Cards accepted but carry cash for small tavernas
  • Tipping: Round up or 5-10% appreciated

Frequently Asked Questions

Santorini or Mykonos - which is better?

Santorini for: couples, sunsets, romance, photography, wine. Mykonos for: nightlife, beach clubs, party scene, LGBTQ+ travelers. First-timers often prefer Santorini for the iconic views.

Is July/August too crowded?

Very crowded and expensive. Hotels 2-3x normal prices. Book 3-6 months ahead. September-October offers great weather with fewer crowds. May-June is also excellent.

Can I cover Greece in 7 days?

Barely. Athens (2 days) + one island (4-5 days) is manageable. For island hopping, 10-14 days is recommended. Don't try to see too many islands - ferry times add up.

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Written by

Rahul Mehta

Travel & Destinations Editor

Award-winning travel journalist with 60+ countries visited.

15+ years travel journalism60+ countries visitedFeatured in National Geographic TravellerCondé Nast Traveller contributor
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