How to Plan a Trip to Greece from the UAE

Greece is a beautiful country to visit this summer. It has a lot of amazing beach areas and the sea is sparkling by the sunlight.

There are various reasons that push you to choose Greece as your next destination. If you want to take the step to visit it in the next few months, you have to prepare for this wonderful trip.

Below, you will find the guide for how to plan a trip to Greece from the UAE.

1. Choose Your Greek Route

Start by determining the vibes you need during this trip and mapping out the places you will visit in Greece. This will make the trip route clearer for you, and you can determine the cities you will visit.

The best cities in Greece are Athens, Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, Thessaloniki. Each city has unique places you can’t find in another country.

Ask a travel agency to help you make a travel program for you. They will suggest places that are suitable for your preferences.

2. Lock in Your Accommodation Early

During Summer, Greece welcome thousands of tourist each week. Once you've set your itinerary, reserve your stays in the cities you will pass through. Make sure to book your stay earlier than your trip to be able to get sea‑view suites.

These are the accommodation options in each city:

Athens: Choose a boutique hotel in Plaka or Monastiraki.

Mykonos & Santorini: White‑washed villas or cave‑rooms with plunge pools facing the caldera. Book 3–4 months ahead for the best views.

Crete & Thessaloniki: Family‑run guesthouses near historical centers.

3. Check Eligibility for Greece Visa

Some nationalities of the UAE residents don’t need a tourist visa for Greece, such as UAE passport holders. Instead they will need to get ETIAS pre‑travel authorisation.

However, most of the residents need to apply for the Greece visa. Check the official website to know if you need a visa or not.

4. Prepare Greece Visa Requirements

In case you need a Greece visa from UAE to visit, you have to collect some papers for the visa processing. The most important papers are:

Passport.

Confirmed return flights to the UAE.

Hotel bookings.

Travel insurance.

Sufficient funds.

These are not the only requirements for the Greece visa, check the full list for the Greece visa requirements. Make sure to follow the instruction for each paper, to be accepted without issues and without any additional request during the processing.

5. Book Appointments

In order to submit your request for getting Greece visa, you have to book an appointment at the visa center in the UAE. Select the suitable visa center according to your residency and nationality.

6. Submit Documents at the Greece Visa Center

When your appointment arrive, get your documents in files and submit it for the officiers. You will need to pay the fees for processing the Greece visa.

7. Book Flights to Greece

Once you get a confirmation on getting your Greece visa, start confirming the ticket to Greece.

Flight Options from UAE to Greece

Emirates and Aegean Airlines offer daily nonstop services from DXB to ATH. Flight time is around 5 hours and 20 minutes.

You can take a one-stop alternative flight. You can look for carriers like Turkish, Qatar, or flydubai routes. Its total travel time is nearly 7–9 hours.

8. Plan Internal Transportation

Greece has many islands to visit, and you have to book the internal transportation between the cities in advance. Inter‑island flights (Aegean or Olympic Air) can be faster and sometimes cost-competitive. In case you will visit, Crete the car rental is a must.

Book these transfers early, especially flights between islands; they sell out quickly in summer. A travel agency can do this part without any effort from your side; you will only need to tell them your destinations and they will take care of the rest points.

9. Pack Smart for Greek Summer

Greece in summer is warm and full of sunshine, but not like the UAE. You have to pack the right items to enjoy a comfortable trip. What to pack for your trip to Greece:

Lightweight, breathable fabrics: Think cotton or linen shirts, dresses, and shorts to beat the heat.

Swimwear: You'll want at least two sets for island days and beach hopping.

Sun hat & sunglasses: Protection from the sun is key, especially in Santorini and Mykonos.

Evening layers: A light cardigan or shawl for cooler island nights or breezy ferry rides.

Comfortable walking shoes: Cobblestone streets and archaeological sites require breathable footwear.

Flip flops or sandals: Ideal for beaches and relaxed strolls.

Sunscreen (high SPF): The Mediterranean sun is strong, especially midday.

Reusable water bottle: Stay hydrated while exploring.

Power adapter (Type C or F): Greek outlets require European-style plugs.

Mini pharmacy: Bring insect repellent, allergy meds, and basics like plasters or painkillers.

Foldable beach bag or backpack: Useful for daily outings and ferry trips.

Pack light, pack right, and you'll be ready for every moment.

10. Prepare for Your Flight

On the day of your trip, keep your luggage, passport, flight tickets, and necessary papers ready. Arrive 3 hours before your flight and have your papers in hand.

Conclusion

After understanding the process of how to plan a trip to Greece from UAE, you will need to start following each step by order. If you implement the steps in order, the preparation process will be smoother and without complications.

If you face any type of issues during the preparation process or when arriving to Greece, don’t hesitate to get advice from a professional travel agent in the UAE.

Be ready for the Mediterranean magic and start your adventure in Greece.