Are you looking for some inspiration to visit Greece? Or do you want a companion to keep you entertained during winter? Either way, here are some of the most exhilarating books about Greece you can read.
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Last-minute plans for Greece?
Get there: Use Ferryhopper to book your tickets.
Stay: Find accommodation deals on Booking.com.
Move around: Compare car rental prices with Discover Cars.
Tours: Visit popular places with GetYourGuide.
Read more: Pack the Lonely Planet Guide to Greece.
Best Reads about Greece to Enjoy on the Beach… or Anywhere Else!
Whether on a plane, your winter sofa, or even a Greek beach, these light fiction books will ignite your desire to travel to the Greek islands.
Without further ado, here is a list of some of the best novels set in Greece…
The Summer House in Santorini
(by Samantha Parks)
Ever wanted to escape from everything around you? Even better, did you ever wish a forgotten relative to give you a summer house in Santorini?
That sounds like an ideal turn of events and is precisely what happens to Anna, our protagonist, in this lovely romance.
My Mamma Mia Summer
(by Annie Robertson)
My Mamma Mia Summer, one of the best novels set in Greece, follows the footsteps of the famous Mamma Mia movie.
A rather shy girl from London does the unexpected and travels on her own to Skopelos. As she falls in love with Greece, she wonders whether to get back to England or stay where she truly belongs.
As Greek as it Gets
(by Sue Roberts)
If you need any motivation to come to Greece, look no further than this feel-good romantic comedy. It is one of the most entertaining books about the Greek islands.
Getting to know the story of Alice and her trip to Greece will put you in a traveling mood right away.
Staying Out for the Summer
(by Mandy Baggot)
No matter where you go or stay in Greece, you will love the Greek way of life. This book is a testimony to that.
An unfortunate turn of events traps Lucie in a village in Corfu for a few weeks and changes her life for good.
An Octopus in my Ouzo
(by Jennifer Barclay)
If you wonder how life on a Greek island is throughout the year, this book is for you. Go on a journey with Jennifer and see how living in Greece twelve months a year feels like.
If nothing else, this book will make you want to run away to a Greek island.
One Summer in Santorini
(by Sandy Barker)
If you are after feel-good summer novels set in Greece, you need to read this book. And get ready for surprises.
Follow Sarah on a sailing trip around the Greek islands and see how love is always around the corner, even if you are not looking for it.
The Greek Tapestry
(by Anthea Syrokou)
If you have the time, there are hundreds of books to read before going to Greece. But time is always limited. Yet, no matter what, you have to put The Greek Tapestry on the list.
There is no better way to see how life on the Greek islands can rejuvenate old friendships, foster meaningful relationships, and give meaning.
One Summer in Crete
(by Nadia Marks)
When everything seems dark and burdensome, there is no better cure than an unexpected trip, especially if that trip is in Crete!
This is what happens with Cali, who ends up in Crete after a devastating breakup. As she spends summer in Greece, her life starts to take a surprising turn.
The Island
(by Victoria Hislop)
The Island is one of the best books to read on vacations and a romance you will love. Set in Crete, this moving and absorbing holiday read will take you on a journey through time and will leave you in awe.
Upon her visit to the birthplace of her mother, Alexis discovers a series of well-hidden family secrets that will change the course of her life.
A Saint for the Summer
(by Marjory McGinn)
A Saint for the Summer is a compelling story about finding truth and shedding light on a forgotten past.
As Bronte visits her ex-pat father in Greece, she embarks on a journey with him to solve a long-time mystery. As they do, many assumptions and beliefs start to fall apart.
A Greek Affair
(by Linn Halton)
When everything seems lost, an unplanned trip to Greece is about to change the life of Leah.
Determined that she will not let any other man hurt her again, she quickly has to deal with a challenging dilemma.
The Greek House
(by Christian Brechneff and Tim Lovejoy)
If you prefer a real story for a change, make sure you get a copy of The Greek House. This autobiography is the story of an artist and his love affair with Sifnos island.
Confused about his sexuality, Christian finds a sanctuary in Sifnos, which helps him grow beyond his expectations.
Those Summer Nights
(by Mandy Baggot)
Set in Corfu, Those Summer Nights is a romantic comedy that will make you daydream. When everything looks great in the life of Imogen, a few days in Corfu can change the way she looks at everything.
She now has to choose between love and her dream. But are they really different?
How Greek is Your Love
(by Marjory McGinn)
If you loved A Saint for the Summer, you need to read this sequel novel.
As Bronte begins to question her existence in Greece, an adventure into the wild Mani region may give her the answer she always sought.
Bucket to Greece Volume1
(by V.D. Bucket)
If comical adventure sounds fun to you, then this book is a must, especially if you consider the bucketful of laughs along the way.
It follows the adventures of a British couple as they settle in rural Greece and adapt to the Greek way of life. And this book is only the first volume; there are 12 of those!
Things Can Only Get Feta
(by Marjory McGinn)
Part of a three-book series, this read will tell the story of two journalists and their crazy dog as they make their way through Southern Peloponnese.
Facing local peculiarities and community struggles coming from the Greek crisis, the protagonists come to meet the hopeful and warm-hearting side of Greece.
Greece Actually: A perfect feel-good beach read
(by Sue Roberts)
There are many romantic novels set in Greece in this list, but none is so unique as this feel-good beach read. Meet shy Becky, who takes a bold decision to travel alone to Skiathos.
Her short holidays end up being an invitation for a permanent stay in Greece and a love story she will never forget.
The Bed And Breakfast on the Beach
(by Kat French)
One of the best books to read on holidays, especially if you happen to be in Greece, The Bed And Breakfast on the Beach is a gorgeous summer read.
When three friends decide to buy a B&B on a remote Greek island, they must deal with challenging situations they never expected. This romantic and entertaining read is set to give you plenty of laugh-out-loud moments.
Moti on the Water
(by Leylah Attar)
An adventure as much as a romance, this book will grab your attention and keep it until the end.
You will follow Moti as she boards a yacht to the Greek Isles, despite her fear of water, only to have a chance to seduce the man of her dreams. Life on board turns out to be challenging and full of mystery.
The Girl under the Olive Tree
(by Leah Fleming)
The Girl Under the Olive Tree is a moving and compelling story about a lifetime journey in search of truth.
85-year-old Penelope decides to go back to Crete after sixty years from the Battle of Crete in 1941 when she served as a nurse. Her visit hides a lot more than a simple reunion.
Wild Abandon
(by Jennifer Barclay)
More of a documentary and travel inspiration than a novel, Wild Abandon will take you on a journey to the deserted places of the Dodecanese islands.
After four years of research and relentless travel, this book came to life. Discover lost knowledge and insights through a fascinating trip to the wildest and most deserted Greek locations you can imagine.
Her Mother’s Secret: The Summer of 69
(by Jan Baynham)
How do you feel reading a book with the protagonist reading a 20-year-old forgotten diary?
The author makes a great work presenting this peculiarity cleverly and entertainingly. And as you delve deeper into the story, the writing style and never-ending surprises will not let you put this book aside until you finish it.
The Sifnos Chronicles
(by Sharon Blomfield)
If you are about to travel to Sifnos or want to get a glimpse of life on this idyllic Greek island, you will love this read.
Here, you will get to know the Sifnos way of life and read real stories that will make you book your ticket to Greece in no time. If you haven’t already… at least!
Running Haunted
(by Effrosyni Moschoudi)
As much of a romance as a mystery read, Running Haunted is a fictional story that will leave you breathless in suspense and eager to find out what is going on.
Marathon runner Kelly meets Alex, the parent of 3 children who recently lost their mother. She decides to move in with them, but little does she know that Alex’s wife is still around, only without a body.
Falling in Honey
(by Jennifer Barclay)
Did you ever dream of leaving everything behind and starting fresh on a tiny Greek island? Meet Jennifer, who has done just that.
The story is funny, romantic, and full of surprising twists that will grab your attention the moment you start reading.
Staying at Eleni’s
(by Michelle Vernal)
Your stay in Greece can change a lot of things about you, including your own future. And this is the story of Annie, whose life does not seem to turn out the way she planned.
Yet, after spending a few days in Crete, all is about to change for good.
The Explosive Nature of Friendship
(by Sara Alexi)
art of a 19-book series about life in Greek villages, The Explosive Nature of Friendship unravels the story of Mitsos, a once mischievous young man who has now settled in a life of discipline and routine.
Yet, his disturbing past comes to shake his life and bring him face to face with astonishing news.
Sunshine after the Rain
(by Daisy James)
Sunshine after the Rain is a funny romance and one of the best books to read on holidays, particularly if those holidays include chilling on a Greek beach.
Meet Evie, a workaholic artist who decides to escape London and settle in Corfu.
As she embarks on her new life, a series of events will lead her to the love of her life and to experience summer that changes everything.
Homer’s Where The Heart Is
(by Marjory McGinn)
Sequel to the best-selling Things Can Only Get Feta, this book follows the adventures of two journalists and their crazy dog throughout Greece.
This time, the protagonists travel in Southern Peloponnese amidst a challenging Greek crisis that burdens the locals. Yet, Greek hospitality, hope, and humor never seem to fade.
The Honey Farm on the Hill
(by Jo Thomas)
Are you about to travel to Greece after many years since the first time? Nell has not been in Crete for eighteen years, but a unique opportunity appears to buy a farm and settle in the mountains she fell in love with two decades ago.
Although a lot has changed, her lust for Crete remains, along with a mysterious man from her past.
Family Ghouls
(by Alex A. King)
For a change of scenery away from romance novels, Family Ghouls can bring a wind of change in your holidays or wherever you are reading it.
You may often find the content eerie — there are many ghosts in the story after all — but the final result is surprisingly funny and mysterious.
A Scorpion in the Lemon Tree
(by Marjory McGinn)
And when you thought the story of our two British journalists and their crazy dog finally found an end, their adventures appear never-ending.
Their perilous journey now takes them on a funny endeavor around the Messinian peninsula and Koroni.
Throughout their travels, they discover once more why they are in love with this resilient country, despite its ongoing economic crisis.
A Donkey on the Catwalk
(by Marjory McGinn)
Although a fourth book on the best-selling Peloponnese series, this compelling collection of original stories and travel itineraries make for a great standalone read.
You will get to know tales from all around the Peloponnese, Santorini, Corfu, and a lot more. Ideal to meet Greece before you visit the country.
My Map of You
(by Isabelle Broom)
Who would say no to inheriting a house on a Greek island? Certainly not Holly, who grabs this opportunity and moves to Zakynthos in no time.
However, disturbing family secrets start to appear, and she has to travel around the island to find the answers she needs. But she finds a lot more than that.
Greek Island Escape
(by Patricia Wilson)
Packed with intrigue, danger, and romance, Greek Island Escape is one of the most compelling books about Greece.
Fiction and actual events come together to create a thrilling story of two women searching for their lost children. When they meet in Greece, both their lives are about to change forever.
Some Like it Greek
(by Sue Roberts)
After an unfortunate turn of events, always-optimist Anna sees her smile slowly fading away.
Until she visits her deceased dad’s house and discovers an old postcard with a map route plotted to Kefalonia island.
Before she knows it, she takes that road trip, after which she is left with a bold dilemma: stay or go back.
Desperately Seeking Summer
(by Mandy Baggot)
Who didn’t have a bad day? Abby, for example, lost her job and her boyfriend within a few hours. As a cure to it all, she decides to spend a few summer months with her family back in Corfu.
As she helps her sister’s business get back on its feet, a series of events create an ideal setting for a romantic comedy you will long remember.
One Last Greek Summer
(by Mandy Baggot)
Again set in the ever-green island of Corfu, One last Greek Summer makes for a perfect beach read.
Funny, touching, and romantic, this story will follow the journey of newly divorced Beth, who escapes to Greece just like she always used to when she was younger.
Unbeknown to her, there awaits her chance to take back her life.
Finding You
(Jo Watson)
In a quest for self-exploration, Jane travels to Greece to find her biological father. While she tries to do just that, she finds love and a place for her in the world.
This hilarious romantic comedy will put a smile on your face from start to finish.
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My Greek Island Summer
(by Mandy Baggot)
Becky lands her dream job house-sitting at a top-end villa in Corfu. On the way there, she has to decide whether to pursue her love with gorgeous Elias she has just met or make her way to Corfu.
This cleverly written novel will leave a piece of your heart in Greece.
Villa of Secrets
(by Patricia Wilson)
Everyone has their own secrets, but nothing like the mysteries around the family of Rebecca. As she sets her eyes to unravel it all and forget her failure to become a mother, she is asking for trouble and disturbing news.
This romantic holiday read, part of The Island Escape Collection, will make you both laugh and cry at the same time.
Sophia’s Secret: A Greek Island Mystery Book
(by Julie Ryan)
Life is full of mysteries, and this book combines suspense and beautiful sights from Greece for a read that will keep you at your seat from start to finish.
Although part two of the Greek Island Mystery series, this story is independent and can be an entertaining standalone read. Just remember to prepare for a conclusion that will surprise you.
Single for the Summer
(by Mandy Baggot)
Ever felt heartbroken? Tess has seen many relationships shutter her life and decides love is not for her.
Until she travels to Corfu and meets Andras, a restaurant owner who will change her life in ways she never thought possible.
Sizzling and delightful, this book about Greece is everything a holiday read should be.
Truly Madly Greekly
(by Mandy Baggot)
Life can change from perfect to disaster in a matter of minutes. And this is what happened with Ellen, who saw her dream job and boyfriend get away for good.
Hopefully, a trip to Corfu can be the start of a brand new life. Or is it? Discover it all in this heartwarming and funny tale of self-discovery and new beginnings.
Travels with Epicurus
(by Daniel Klein)
More of a travel book and a meditation than a novel, this optimistic guide to living well will take you through a delightful journey around the Aegean and the terrain of old age.
Get ready to meet author Daniel, his fascinating journey in Greece, as well as his advice on achieving a fulfilling old age.
No matter which book about Greece you choose, remember to put some time aside to book your tickets! There is no better way to read a book than chilling on a Greek beach.
Just remember to apply sun lotion from time to time. These stories can make you lose your sense of time! They are that good!
Which one will your read next?
Let me know in the comments below!
Travel Plans for Greece?
More Resources to Organize Your Trip!
Start by heading right to my Greece travel guide for in-depth details you need to know about Greece. You can also check my post to plan a trip to Greece with children!
Get in touch if you need extra help to plan your trip. If you want to tour West Crete, check my guide. Want more? Join my Private Facebook Group to connect with like-minded travelers who love Crete as much as you do!
Make Sure You’ve Got Everything For a Hassle-Free Vacation!
I never move around the islands without my Osprey backpack, a sturdy but light travel partner I just love. For short trips, I carry this crossbody bag. If I drive, I pack my Nikon D7200 and a good travel guide! Lonely Planet’s Best of Greece & the Greek Islands.
When it comes to plane tickets, compare prices with a powerful search engine. However, nothing beats traveling by sea in Greece. With Ferry Hopper, you can book in advance at the lowest price.
For accommodation, I use Booking.com.
Traveling to remote places is easier with Discover Cars. Other times, I join organized tours with GetYourGuide, which features anything from cooking lessons to airport transfer!
COMING TO CRETE SOON?
Get in touch and let me know!
Read more:
Dreamy Boat Trips in Crete: Discover Crete by Sea!
The Most Delicious Seaside Restaurants That You Should Visit in Crete!
How to Get from Heraklion to Matala, Crete without Getting Lost!
20 Secret Travel Tips for Crete that Many Others Won’t Share!
Discover + 45 Most Gorgeous Beaches in Crete (A guide by an insider!)
This Pin Belongs to a Board! Pin these Great Reads About Greece!
Written by Dimitrios Tsevremes
Passionate about travel, spirituality, and sports, I have lived in 5 countries and traveled to more places than I have counted. Writing for me is a way to express myself and my creativity. Whether I write for my blog or a freelancing gig, I always fall in love with the process and often lose my sense of time. If you want, you can check out more about me and my work here.
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About the author of this blog:
Gabi has been living in Crete for the last five years. On the island, she juggles being a solo mom, hosting culinary tours in summer, translating, and freelance writing.
She’s written for Greek Reporter, published several travel guides about Greece, and had more glasses of frappe than any regular person would be able to handle.