It’s good to be prepared for a vacation. While several of us crave the unknown during a trip, understanding the culture and people of a place before you visit it can result in a hassle-free and enjoyable holiday.
Greece is a beautiful country with warm-hearted citizens and wonders that never fail to amaze. However, it is also a nation with its own peculiarities, routines, and distinct traditions. Travel tips for Greece, the dos and the don’ts, are thus your first introduction to better understanding the locals and appreciating the diversity of what is undoubtedly one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations.
Go In-Depth During Visits
Unlike several other countries in Europe, Greece demands leisurely exploration over long periods. When visiting the country, you might feel the urge to pack in multiple island stops, but remember that Greece has stood still for centuries and will not disappear anytime soon. To appreciate its magnificence, limit your travel to a couple of islands, in addition to sightseeing mainland towns, and spend time discovering them in a more in-depth fashion.
Tour The Mainland
Greece’s mainland is somewhat underrated, but those ardent enough to tour this region will find that it has many gems such as the gorgeous seaside towns of Nafplion, Parga, Kavala, and Porto Heli that guarantee a contemporary atmosphere steeped in Greek ethos. On the other hand, history aficionados must visit Olympia, Epidaurus, Delphi, and of course, Athens, towns brimming with archaeological sites that speak of Greece’s glorious and captivating past.
Don’t Always Book A Hotel
Seasoned travelers will agree that unplanned excursions are some of the most exciting and memorable moments during a vacation. In Greece, for instance, you might be staying in Naxos but can easily decide to take a one and a half hour Mikres Kyklades ferry to Iraklia, a quaint island in the “Lesser Cyclades,” the very next day. Interestingly, this is possible because you can travel without pre-booking a hotel. As is the case on most islands, you are often greeted by a small crowd of local BnB owners upon arrival at the port. Ready with picture books showing rooms, it’s feasible to find a delightfully friendly residence there and then. Loaded with ample instant choices, you can also bargain a little on the room rates.
Rent A Moped
Several Greek islands are small enough that you can cover them on foot. Nevertheless, hiring a moped in Greece is the best way to discover hidden beaches and reach hard-to-get places with ease. A faster way to travel, especially during hot days, more flexible than cars, and convenient, a moped makes local travel all the more comfortable. Remember to bring your international driver’s license if planning to hire an automobile in Greece.
Dress Conservatively In Churches
You can dress down to your bare essentials on the beaches of Greece, but when it comes to visiting religious sites, dress conservatively. Whether it is churches or monasteries, you should cover your legs with pants or a long skirt. In some institutions, you will also be asked to cover your bare shoulders with a scarf or a piece of cloth.
Be Prepared For Random Invites
You won’t realize the friendliness of the Greeks until one of them will suddenly strike up a conversation as you sip on a yummy frappe in a café. The locals love to mingle, are passionate about all worldly topics, and notably welcoming towards foreign guests. On the less touristy islands of Greece, in particular, be ready for random diner invites by the residents. It is polite not only to accept the invitation, for you will be treated to a delicious homemade meal, but you must also take a gift when visiting your hosts.
Avoid Tap Water On Islands
Although drinking from the tap in Athens is perfectly fine, one should only drink bottled water when traveling around the Greek islands. Most are importing bottles from elsewhere, which is the safest source. The exception to the rule is the island of Crete, which is large enough to accommodate its own water filtration infrastructure. Keep in mind though that this mainly only applies to large cities such as Chania and Heraklion.
Get Used to Smoking
Call it an addiction or a pastime; smoking is very much a part of the local lifestyle. Therefore, one thing not to do in Greece is be alarmed if you see people smoke in the open or even in a place with a no-smoking sign. There is a growing trend of no-smoking restaurants these days, but on most islands, you’ll still come across plenty of smokers.
Be Ferry Friendly
The real charm of traveling in Greece lies in visiting its islands. To do so happily, you need to make the most of its ferry system. Ferryscanner is thus your one-stop website for boat connections around the country. You can use it to book direct links from one island to another or use the innovative island-hopping option if wanting to visit a few different places in one trip. On land, though, the Metro system in Athens is fantastic. Pick the multi-day rechargeable AthenaTicket for a relaxed travel experience when wandering in the city.
Do Plan Your Day
When in Greece, don’t expect the shops to be open at all times during the day. The inhabitants are hard-working people, but they also know the importance of relishing the pleasures of life. As a result, you’ll see that shops close in the afternoon for an hour or two as the locals enjoy their siesta. Similarly, non-touristy shops stay closed on Sundays across Greece. Therefore, when holidaying on an island, don’t leave your grocery shopping for the weekend.
It’s Okay To Bargain
The shops in Greece, packed with unique local products, are a buyer’s delight. Several items, such as bottled olive oil, ouzo, postcards, magnets, traditional Karagiosis shadow puppets, and packed foods, have a fixed price. For everything else, from beautiful hand-painted ceramic plates, sandals, and kompoli beads to paintings, mati, and wooden handicrafts, there is an opportunity to bargain on the price. However, a fine line exists between haggling and bargaining, and when in Greece, you mustn’t cross it.
Don’t Miss Out On Traditional Greek Food
Mass tourism typically results in locals adapting to growing ‘foreign’ demands, including preparing universally popular dishes. So, in all likelihood, you will readily find pizzas, sushi, the full English breakfast, and pasta in plentiful Greek restaurants. But to be in Greece and miss out on homemade Greek cuisine’s palatability is a culinary sin not easily forgiven. The comforting nature of a cheese saganaki, the tartness of dolmadakia, the sweet complexity of baklava, the frothy goodness of an iced frappe, and the freshness of a Greek salad are but a few of the many gastronomic delights you have to savor when traveling in Greece.