May and June are when UK bookings for the Greek islands spike — and when euro delivery cut-offs start to matter if you fly straight after school breaks.
Compare euros before you pack
Run our holiday money comparison with your GBP budget (many families start around £400–£600 for a week). You see what you actually receive after fees — not a headline rate from the news.
Pair that with the euro currency guide and our Greece country guide for cash vs card on the islands.
Island hopping needs a cash buffer
Crete, Rhodes, Kos and smaller Cyclades stops can be card-friendly in resorts but cash-heavy for beach clubs, boat day trips and village tavernas. Do not assume every remote ATM will be stocked on a Saturday in August.
Land with €50–€100 in small notes already bought in the UK, then top up with a travel-friendly card for supermarkets and car hire.
Ferries and peak weeks
Ferry tickets and port taxis often want cash. If you connect through a busy UK hub, read our airport guides — but order most euros online, not at departures.
For wider summer timing, see summer 2026 holiday money planning and how far in advance to buy.
Book the boring bits early
Once flights are set, line up airport parking or lounges and travel insurance so a currency delivery slip does not derail an early check-in.
Next step: Compare live euro rates for your trip amount before rates move again.