Nauryz in Greece from Almaty: tours

Nauryz in Greece in 2026 falls at the end of March — this is a transitional season, when it is warm but without summer heat. There are no direct flights from Almaty, you fly with a connection through Istanbul, Dubai or Frankfurt. At the end of March, during the day on Crete and Rhodes it is about 16–19 degrees, the sea is cool. The mainland — Athens, the Peloponnese, Pieria, Halkidiki — is more accessible than the islands, ferries run rarely.

Visa, flight and the first day after arrival: what to arrange and how everything will go?

The journey to Greece for Nauryz begins long before boarding the plane. Let's break down what to prepare in advance and how to survive a connecting flight.

What to arrange before departure from Almaty

Greece is part of the Schengen zone, so the trip is planned in advance. Processing documents takes time, and during the holiday weeks the queue for submission grows. For renting a car, an international driving permit or a certified translation of a Kazakhstani driver's license will come in handy. Medical insurance with coverage from 30,000 euros is mandatory for a Schengen trip, and it is purchased together with tickets. There are no direct flights from Almaty to Athens, so the route is built with a connection through Istanbul, Dubai or Frankfurt. Tickets for Nauryz in Greece are snapped up early, so it is better to book several months in advance. Check the validity period of the insurance: it must cover all days of the trip, including the flight.

How to cope with the time zone change and the connection

The time difference with Almaty is 3 hours in winter and 2 hours in summer: Greece changes its clocks (UTC+2 in winter, UTC+3 in summer), while Kazakhstan stays on UTC+5 all year round. The difference is small, but a connecting flight still puts a strain on you. It is better to plan the first day after arrival in Athens or Crete without long excursions. Allow at least two hours for a connection in Istanbul or Dubai: a transfer at the airport takes time for security screening. On the plane, drink water and do not overdo it with coffee in order to enter the new rhythm more gently. In the evening local time, go for a short walk — this way the body will readjust faster. If you are flying to Rhodes or Kos with an overnight connection, check in advance whether the transit zone operates around the clock.

When to go and how to choose a destination?

The end of March is a transitional season for Greece. Some resorts are already welcoming guests, others are just preparing to open.

Weather and resort occupancy at the end of March

At the end of March on Crete and Rhodes, during the day it is about 16–19 degrees, the sea is still cool. In Halkidiki and Pieria, the weather is milder for walks than for swimming. Hotels in Halkidiki, Pieria and the Peloponnese are popular with locals during the holiday weekends, so it is worth booking them in advance. Santorini and Corfu operate at half capacity during this period: some taverns and hotels are still closed. In Athens at the end of March it is already warm and crowded, it is a convenient base for excursions. On Crete - Heraklion and Crete - Rethymno the season starts earlier than on Crete - Lasithi. If the goal is a quiet holiday without crowds, choose the mainland and small islands.

Islands or the mainland: what is more accessible during this period

At the end of March, mainland Greece is more accessible than the islands in terms of transport logistics. From Athens it is easy to get to the Peloponnese, Pieria and Halkidiki by bus or car. The islands require a ferry or a domestic flight, and some routes resume closer to summer. Crete is connected to the mainland both by ferries and by planes, so it is the easiest to get to. Rhodes, Kos and Santorini are less accessible during this period: there are fewer flights and ferries. Corfu also loses part of its connections in the off-season. For a short trip to Greece for Nauryz, it is more logical to choose one region and not spread yourself thin. The combination of "Athens plus the Peloponnese" gives maximum impressions with a minimum of travel.

Transport within the country and car rental

Getting around Greece depends on the region. Somewhere a ferry is more convenient, somewhere a car or bus.

Ferries, domestic flights and buses

Ferry service between the islands in winter and early spring is limited. Some routes to Crete, Rhodes, Kos and Santorini resume closer to summer. Domestic flights within Greece are cheaper than ferries for long journeys, for example Athens — Crete or Athens — Rhodes. On Corfu and Kos, the main transport is buses and taxis, the schedule is less frequent in winter. In Athens, the metro and tram are convenient, they connect the center with the port and the airport. In the Peloponnese and Pieria, buses run between cities, but the schedule should be checked on the spot. Buy ferry and train tickets in advance on holidays. If the route includes two islands, check the connection by days: in the off-season it can be inconvenient.

License, deposit and parking in cities

To rent a car in Greece, you need an international driver's license or a certified translation of a Kazakhstani driver's license. The deposit is usually blocked on a card, so the limit must be sufficient. Traffic in Greece is right-hand, as in Kazakhstan, so you won't have to get used to it. Parking in Athens and Crete - Heraklion is paid and scarce, especially in the center. On Santorini there are narrow roads and difficult parking in Oia and Fira. Renting a car on Corfu and Santorini gives more freedom, but requires caution on serpentine roads. In the Peloponnese and Pieria, a car pays off: public transport there is rare. Gas stations on the islands are less common than on the mainland, so keep an eye on the fuel level.

Accommodation, food and everyday expenses

The trip budget consists of accommodation, food and small things. Let's break down where you can save.

Hotels, apartments and guest houses

For Nauryz in Greece, accommodation is booked in advance: hotels in Halkidiki, Pieria and the Peloponnese are popular with locals for weekends at this time. Apartments and guesthouses in Crete - Rethymno and Crete - Lassithi are often cheaper than hotels and convenient for families. In Athens the choice is wider, but prices in the centre are higher than in areas near the metro. On Santorini and Corfu, some hotels are closed in the off-season, so check the opening dates. Guesthouses in the Peloponnese often include breakfast with local products. When booking, ask whether heating is available: nights in late March are still cool.

Tavernas, tips and Lenten menu

In Greek tavernas the portions are large, the bill often comes with a compliment, and tips are left at 5–10%. During the Lenten period before Easter, many tavernas offer a Lenten menu, which is worth bearing in mind if you are going for meat dishes. On Crete and Rhodes there are many family tavernas with home cooking and moderate prices. In Athens, lunch in the centre is more expensive than in areas where locals eat. In Halkidiki and Pieria, fish tavernas by the sea are popular. Card payment is accepted almost everywhere, but on the islands and in small tavernas cash will come in handy. The currency is the euro, and it is convenient to keep small change for taxis and coffee. Dinner in Greece is late, and the kitchen often works until midnight.

Health, communications and safety

A calm trip rests on three things: insurance, communications and basic caution.

Insurance, pharmacies and emergency care

Medical insurance for a Schengen trip is mandatory, with minimum coverage of 30,000 euros. Pharmacies in Greece work on a schedule with a break; duty pharmacies are indicated on signs. On holidays it is harder to find an open pharmacy, so bring basic medicines with you. On Crete, Rhodes and in Athens pharmacies are common, while on small islands there are fewer. In the event of an insurance case, keep receipts and certificates: without them no payment will be processed. Emergency services in Greece work around the clock, and the single service number is 112. If you are travelling with children, check whether the policy covers a paediatrician. Keep a copy of the policy on your phone and on paper.

SIM card, internet and card payment

A local SIM card from a Greek operator is cheaper than roaming with Kazakh operators. You can buy it at the airport or in the city; a passport is required. Internet in hotels and tavernas is usually free, but speeds on the islands can be lower. Visa and Mastercard are accepted almost everywhere, including Athens, Crete and Rhodes. ATMs in tourist areas are common, but the withdrawal fee depends on the bank. On Corfu, Kos and Santorini, some small shops work only with cash. Keep a small amount of cash for taxis and coffee. Charge your phone in advance: sockets in Greece are standard, no adapter is needed.

Visa and entry rules change: check with the primary source — the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Hellenic Republic, https://www.mfa.gr/en/visas/. The information on this page was checked on 14.09.2026.

In brief

• Nauryz in Greece is late March, warm without heat, the sea is still cool.
• From Almaty, fly with a connection through Istanbul, Dubai or Frankfurt.
• The mainland is more accessible than the islands: Athens, the Peloponnese, Pieria, Halkidiki.
• Accommodation and tickets are booked in advance, insurance is required from 30,000 euros.
• A local SIM card is cheaper than roaming, cash will come in handy on the islands.