How long does it take to fly to Greece?
Dreaming of a sun-drenched island holiday where you can admire archaeological wonders and relax on picture-perfect beaches? Greece is a top destination for Australian travellers and there are number of international airports in Greece, depending on where you want to visit. The largest international airport in Greece is Athens International Airport (AIA), which is located in the national’s capital, Athens, one of the oldest cities in the world. The fastest flights departing from Melbourne Airport (MEL) to Athens take around 22h on Qatar Airways, 24h on Singapore Airlines or 26h on Qantas, depending on the transit time. Passengers departing from Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD) can arrive in Athens in 25 to 35h. If you are travelling to the island of Santorini, it can take around 29h to arrive to Thera Santorini International Airport (JTR), while flights to Thessaloniki Makedonia (SKG) in the north of Greece will take at least 32h to arrive.
Can you get direct flights to Greece from Australia?
Although there are no non-stop flights to Greece at the moment, travellers can book fights to Greece on momondo with only one stopover. From Melbourne to Athens, Singapore Airlines flies via Singapore (SIN), while Qantas offers flights via Dubai (DXB) or London Heathrow (LHR). Qatar Airways also operates along this route with a stopover in Doha (DOH). Passengers departing from Sydney can choose to fly to Athens on Singapore Airlines via Singapore or on Qantas with a stopover in Dubai. Budget travellers looking for cheap flights to Greece should search for flights with more than one stopover. Greece flights departing from Melbourne via Singapore and London may take longer to arrive but prices are more economical. If you planning to travel to Thessaloniki or Santorini, flights can take between 25 and 32h, with stopovers in Hong Kong (HKG), Munich (MUC), Amsterdam (AMS), Singapore, Doha, or Athens.
What is the best way to travel around Greece?
The most common overland public transport in Greece is by bus. The KTEL intercity bus system is efficient and most cities offer multiple departures daily to and from Athens. Train travel can be slow and unreliable, but there are connections from Athens to the main cities including Thessaloniki and Patras. If you want to explore the Greek islands, you can book a short domestic flight from Athens or Thessaloniki or take a ferry, high-speed boat or catamaran. Ferries are generally comfortable but routes and speed may vary. A trip from Piraeus to Santorini can take between five and 10h. For longer journeys, you may want to book a cabin bunk for comfort and privacy. You can also take small boats between adjacent islands and taxi boats are popular in the busy season. Hiring a car offers the most flexibility if you want to go exploring at your own pace and discover Kefalonia’s West Coast, the Arcadian mountains or the Pindus mountains. Car hire companies can be found at most airports and main cities, and hiring a motor scooter is a popular way to get around the islands.
Does an Australian citizen need a passport or visa to fly to Greece?
While Australian citizens must always travel with a valid passport, Australian nationals do not need to obtain a visa to enter Greece if you are travelling for tourism purposes and staying for less than 90 days within a six-month period. If you plan to stay for longer, you will need to apply for a visa at the nearest Greek Embassy or Consulate in Australia before you depart. Applications must be made at least 15 days before the intended visit, and you may need to provide supporting documents such as fingerprints, medical insurance and a current photograph.