Greece: a traveller's guide
Visa to Greece: what is important to know before the trip
Greece remains one of the most affordable destinations for holidays from Almaty. We do not cite legal norms here, as they are updated more often than articles are written. Instead, we will tell you about what depends on the weather, the season, and your suitcase.
Climate of Greece by month: choosing the season
The climate of Greece by month is divided into three distinct periods, and each is good in its own way. From May to June it is warm here, but there is no exhausting heat yet. July and August are the peak of solar activity and sea temperature. From September to October the sea remains warm, and the sun becomes softer.
Spring and early summer
In May, the air temperature at resorts reaches a comfortable +24 degrees. The sea warms up to +22 in June, and this is the best time for families with children. During this period, Greek nature is especially green, and there are noticeably fewer tourists than in the height of the season. In the evening, a light jacket may be needed as the air cools down.
Height of the season
From mid-June to August, the thermometer steadily stays above +30. In Athens and Santorini, the heat feels stronger due to the lack of shade. On Crete and Rhodes, the sea breeze helps, bringing coolness by the evening. Be sure to bring hats and high-protection sunscreen. At this time, the sea resembles warm milk, and the water is ideal for swimming.
Flight from Almaty: what to consider
There is no direct flight from Almaty to Athens, so the journey usually takes longer. A flight with one stopover lasts about eight hours, and with two it can take almost a day. It is better to choose a connection in Istanbul or Dubai to stretch your legs between flights.
Resorts for beach holidays
Each Greek island offers its own character of holiday, and the choice depends on your preferences. Crete is famous for its developed infrastructure and sandy beaches. Rhodes will delight with an abundance of greenery and medieval architecture. Corfu stands out with its picturesque bays and cooler climate.
Crete and Rhodes
Crete is the largest island, where it is easy to combine the beach with excursions to ancient ruins. Rhodes is often chosen by couples who value a calm sea and cozy taverns. Both destinations are suitable for a first introduction to Greek culture. There are many Russian-speaking staff in hotels here, which makes the holiday easier.
Halkidiki and Corfu
Halkidiki is three peninsulas with pine forests and turquoise water. Corfu is located in the northwest of the country and is famous for its greenery and Venetian heritage. These places are ideal for those who are tired of crowds of tourists. The nature here is truly impressive, and the beaches are often awarded the blue flag.
What to do on the islands
Apart from lying on the beach, the Greek land offers plenty of activities. On Kos, you can rent a bicycle and ride around ancient temples. Santorini is a must for romantics who want to see the famous sunset in Oia. On Crete, you should try local olive oil and feta cheese right at the farm.
What to pack in your suitcase
When packing your things, remember the temperature difference between day and evening. Light clothing made of natural fabrics will save you from the heat at noon. Comfortable shoes are needed for walking on the cobblestones of old cities. It is better to stock your first aid kit with remedies for the sun and stomach upset.
When is the best time to go to the Greek islands?
The ideal time is considered to be May, June, and September, when there is no exhausting heat. The sea is warm during these months, and there are noticeably fewer tourists.
What is the weather like in Athens in summer?
It is very hot in the capital in summer, with temperatures often exceeding +35 degrees. For walks, choose the morning hours or the evening when the heat subsides.
How does a holiday on Crete differ from one on Rhodes?
Crete is more suitable for active sightseeing, while Rhodes is for a relaxing beach holiday. Both islands have excellent infrastructure and clean beaches.
Is insurance needed for the trip?
Medical insurance is strongly recommended for any trip abroad. It will cover treatment costs and unforeseen situations.
Which island should be chosen for a holiday with children?
Crete and Kos are considered the most convenient for families due to the gentle entry into the sea. Corfu is also good, but there are more pebble beaches there.
How long is the flight from Almaty?
Taking stopovers into account, the journey takes from eight to twelve hours. The time depends on the chosen route and the duration of the connection.
Which cuisine is considered traditional?
Be sure to try moussaka, souvlaki, and fresh seafood. Greek salad with local feta and olives cannot compare to what is made at home.
Are there direct flights to Santorini?
There are no direct flights from Kazakhstan, but it is easy to get there via Athens. Local airlines fly from the capital to the island several times a day.
What to bring back as a souvenir?
Olive oil, handmade ceramics, and Greek sweets are popular. It is also worth buying natural olive-based cosmetics.
Plan a trip to Greece for June or the first half of September: the water on Crete and Rhodes is warmed to +21–26, and the heat subsides to a comfortable +27. There are no direct flights from Almaty, so allow at least two hours for a layover in Istanbul. During the shoulder season on Corfu, the air stays around +24, but hotels on Kos close after October 15.
What has changed for tourists from Kazakhstan?
Kazakhstani travelers choose Greece for beach holidays and ancient antiquities. Preparing for a trip requires attention to detail, as requirements are periodically updated.
Visa processing: timelines, documents, and cost
Medical insurance must cover expenses from 30 thousand euros. The application form is filled out online in English, and biometrics are submitted once every five years.
Entry rules: what is checked at passport control
The Greek side may request proof of financial solvency based on 50 euros per day of stay. At Athens airport, the address of the first hotel is often asked. During the season, the queue takes about an hour, so allow time for your connection.
When to travel from Almaty: a breakdown of Greece's climate by month?
Greece's climate by month determines the choice of resort and type of holiday for a traveler from Kazakhstan. The weather is Mediterranean, with hot summers and mild winters. For a resident of Almaty, accustomed to a sharply continental climate, the Greek weather will seem comfortable.
Season for beach holidays on Crete and Rhodes
The season lasts from May to October, but each month has its own features. Let's look at when it is best to fly to the islands and whether to plan a holiday during the shoulder season. The swimming season on Crete and Rhodes starts in late May, when the water warms up to +21 degrees. The peak of heat occurs in July and August, when the air temperature reaches +32 and above.
During these months, the sea is ideally warm, around +26, but the beaches are crowded. In June, winds still blow on the Greek islands, and in September the heat subsides to a comfortable +27. For families with children, the best choice will be June or the first half of September. In the middle of the season, housing prices in Greece are at their maximum, so budget-conscious tourists choose the beginning of summer.
Shoulder season on Corfu and Halkidiki: is it worth going in October
October on Corfu and Halkidiki is the shoulder season with an air temperature of about +24. The sea is still warm at the beginning of the month, but by the end of October it cools to +20. Evenings at Greek resorts become cool, so a warm sweater in your suitcase will not hurt. Many hotels in Halkidiki operate until the end of October, but on Kos and Santorini they close after the 15th.
For sightseeing tours, October weather in Greece is ideal. Tourists from Almaty will appreciate the absence of exhausting heat and fewer vacationers.
How to get to Athens and plan a flight with a connection
There is no direct flight from Almaty to Athens, so the flight always includes a connection. Travelers from Kazakhstan most often choose flights through Istanbul or Ankara. The total travel time is from nine hours, not counting waiting at the airport.
Connections in Istanbul: what to consider when booking
Planning a flight requires attention to detail, since the comfort of the entire vacation depends on the connection. Let's look at the features of the route and adaptation to the new time zone. When choosing a connection in Istanbul, allow at least two hours for the transfer. At the airport of the Turkish city, you will have to go through a second security check, which takes time.
It is better to book tickets as a single itinerary so that the airline is responsible for the connection. Night connections are tiring, so daytime flights with a wait of no more than six hours are preferable. Istanbul International Airport is huge, and moving between terminals takes up to half an hour.
Time difference and acclimatization in the first days
The time difference between Almaty and Greece is three hours in winter and two hours in summer. No clock change is required, but the change in routine is felt in the first days. After the flight, a tourist from Kazakhstan should go to sleep according to local time to adapt faster. Acclimatization in Greece is milder than in the tropics, since the climate here is temperate.
On the first day, it is better to avoid long excursions and limit yourself to a walk near the hotel. By the end of the second day, the body will fully adjust to the new rhythm.
What to consider at resorts: from Santorini to Kos
Each Greek resort has its own features that are important to know before arrival. Santorini is famous for romantic sunsets, while Kos attracts with sandy beaches. A traveler from Kazakhstan should study the transport logistics between the islands in advance.
Transport between islands: ferries and quad bike rentals
Local flavor, cuisine, and rules of behavior in tavernas also require attention. Let's look at the main nuances of a holiday on the Greek islands. Ferries connect the Greek islands on a schedule, and tickets sell out several days in advance during peak season. It is worth booking seats online three to five days before the trip, especially in July and August.
Renting a quad bike on Rhodes or Kos does not require an international license, but check the helmet and insurance at issuance. For trips around Santorini, it is better to choose closed-toe shoes, since the paths to the beaches are rocky. Flip-flops slip on such terrain, which leads to injuries. Between the large islands, it is convenient to fly by plane, saving time.
Local features: water, tavernas, and tips
Drinking water in Greece is better to buy in supermarkets, as tap water is hard and chlorinated. In tavernas on the islands, it is customary to order meze — a set of small appetizers, which is more cost-effective than two main courses. The rule is that for dinner with a sea view, 10–15 percent for service is included in the bill. Tips on top of this amount are not mandatory but are welcome for good service.
In August, many family tavernas in Athens close for a two-week vacation. In September, menus and prices return to normal operation.
How to prepare for the trip: money, communication, and useful essentials
Preparing for a vacation in Greece includes financial matters and packing your suitcase. A tourist from Almaty needs to know how much cash to take and how to pay by card. Local communication and power outlets also require attention before departure. A well-thought-out packing list will save you from extra expenses at the resort.
Cash and cards: how many euros to take with you
Let's gather key recommendations for a comfortable trip. For a trip of 10–14 days, cash of 300–400 euros per person is sufficient. Other expenses are more convenient to pay by Visa or Mastercard. In remote villages on Crete and Rhodes, ATMs sometimes do not work with cards from Kazakhstani banks. Take a spare card with you so you do not end up without money during the trip.
In Greek supermarkets, there is a section with local olive oil. A 750 ml bottle costs about eight euros, which is cheaper than buying the product at home.
What to pack: outlets, clothing, and first aid kit
In the evening, the temperature on Corfu drops to +18 degrees even in summer, so a sweater will come in handy. In Greek churches, shoulders and knees must be covered, which is important to consider when choosing your wardrobe.
In short
- The best season for beach holidays on Crete and Rhodes is June or the first half of September.
- October is suitable for excursions, but hotels on Kos close after the 15th.
- The flight from Almaty to Athens takes from nine hours with a connection in Istanbul.
- Book ferry tickets between islands several days in advance during the season.
