40 Greece Travel Tips To Know BEFORE Traveling In Greece (2023)

Touring to Greece and in search of some Greece journey suggestions? Fortunate you! It must be no secret the Greek spirit and hospitality are world-renowned. Greece has probably the most iconic cultures, histories, and geographies. For us, Greece strikes a young observe; it’s the place Tasha and I fell in love. It launched years of future journey and this very weblog, and ultimately, we even stated I do on the Greek Islands!

Nonetheless, like each vacation spot, there are some things to know earlier than you journey to Greece. Sure – that’s proper, it’s best to take heed earlier than you chow down on feta cheese, olives, wine, and dolmades. Whether or not exploring the historic ruins in Athens or lounging on the pristine seashores of Santorini, preparation is vital. Earlier than touring to Greece, guests ought to be sure that to have a legitimate passport, get hold of journey insurance coverage, and verify the visa necessities. It is usually advisable to e-book lodging and transportation upfront to safe the very best offers and keep in mind to pack comfy sneakers, sunscreen, and a hat, as Greece’s heat local weather is ideal for out of doors exploration.

Past the fundamentals, there’s lots extra to know earlier than touring to Greece. After spending almost six months touring to Greece, we’ve compiled this listing of our greatest Greece journey suggestions that will help you out earlier than going to Greece! Opa!

Greece Journey Tricks to Know Earlier than Visiting Greece

Perhaps Tomorrow?

If you happen to’re touring to Greece from the USA, it’s good to be sure that and chill out right here as issues in Greece transfer at a glacial tempo. This one goes for just about in all places within the Mediterranean area, nevertheless it rings very true on the Greek Isles.

“Oh, it seems to be like your ferry failed to indicate up right now; possibly it would present up tomorrow, possibly not – who is aware of!” I’ll always remember our first journey to Greece after we heard this and the way nonchalant the ticket agent was. There’s no have to get mad or aggravated about something – nobody will care! Higher to simply take on daily basis because it comes and drift.

Be taught to Love Raki or Ouzo

Relying on what island you’re on, you’ll both be consuming tsikoudia or ouzo. All of which is best than the Turkish Raki or the Balkans Rakija – a minimum of that’s what the Greeks will proudly announce. No correct Greek meal out with family and friends is full with out bottles upon bottles of Raki, regardless of the native spirit is.

You may shoot it, sip it, or our favourite and presumably hottest means, combine it with water giving it a cloudy white look. Yamas! Which suggests “to our well being” in Greek and is the way in which to cheers.

Oh, for these Individuals on the market, the remainder of the world makes eye contact after they toast. It could be awkward at first, however it may be achieved in just a few cloudy nights.

Put on Your Stretchy Pants

Whereas we’re speaking about meals out in Greece, a correct meal out at a conventional taverna consists of meze. What’s meze? It’s small plates just like the Spanish tapas. Right here you’ll obtain plate, after plate, of scrumptious meals. Consuming this type of meal is among the greatest issues to do in Greece.

You’ll get tzatziki, saganaki, feta, salads, lamb, chips, all types of grilled veggies, watermelon,  calamari, and no matter else is within the kitchen. Did I overlook to say lamb? Sharing meals household model like this is quite common in Greece, and so is over ordering to ensure everybody has sufficient meals of their stomachs!

I at all times wish to pack a pair of pants that stretch and take a look at to not achieve an excessive amount of weight, nevertheless it’s tempting in Greece! Learn extra about what to pack for a trip in Greece.

Think about Watershoes

Many Greek seashores will not be made of soppy lush white sand, in truth fairly the alternative. The Greek seashores are beautiful, nevertheless, in lieu of sand, many seashores are pebbled. These pebbles may be fairly massive, and don’t really feel the very best on the toes.

I do know they aren’t horny by any means, however a pair of watershoes might save your soles in Greece.

Taverna Etiquette

If you happen to journey to Greece from the USA, you might be most likely used to the service again dwelling. , the type the place the server robotically fills up your drink with out you asking, or brings the invoice on the finish of the meal as a result of it’s fairly clear you might be finished.

Effectively in Greece (and far of Europe for that matter) this isn’t fairly the case. Waiters will allow you to sit there and chat for hours if you wish to after your meal. Nobody is speeding you out the door to organize for the following desk. You’ll have to ask for the verify if you find yourself prepared to depart.

Need to give it a go in Greek? Say, “To logariasmo parakalo.”

One other factor you’ll discover at a meal in Greece. You’ll sometimes get a small dessert at no cost on the finish of your meal. This may come within the type of yogurt with do-it-yourself jam on high, baklava, or raki. The most typical free dessert we get is watermelon. It’s at all times on the home and a type of thanks for frequenting that taverna.

We Hope you want Cats!

Whilst you’re on the taverna you might discover just a few furry creatures at your toes. Looking at you longingly within the eyes, with only a whimper making an attempt to tempt you to drop some fish on the ground.

Sure, we’re speaking concerning the cats of Greece, and they’re in all places. I’ve but to go to a taverna in Greece the place there wasn’t a minimum of one cat lingering about. The cats are often innocent, however taverna homeowners typically advise towards feeding them to keep away from a cat military from overtaking the institution.

Cats will not be simply at dinner both. The cats of Greece are in all places you look, so we hope your allergic reactions aren’t too unhealthy! Most of those cats are fairly pleasant. They’re primarily strays, that survive all year long because of the temperate local weather in Greece. They’re fed by the vacationers in the summertime, and are available winter the Greeks have a mushy spot for them and most locals feed them and provides them a bit of affection.

These strays are thought to be a pure co-habitant in Greece – group cats for all!

Don’t Be Shy if Some Beachgoers #Freethenipple

The Greek seashores are fairly well-known for these seeking to let free. Though Greeks are Orthodox and custom sees girls costume extra conservatively, topless sunbathing stays socially acceptable all through many Greek seashores, although it’s primarily different European vacationers that interact with it.

You’ll see all ages casting off these annoying bikini high tan-lines, and on a number of seashores, you’ll discover full naturist seashores catering to those who actually really feel like letting all of it hang around.

It’s best to at all times pay attention to your environment; sometimes, that is finished on the outer edges of seashores or the much less crowded ones away from households. If you happen to really feel comfy and need to undress on the seaside, you may seek for nude seashores, many components of Greece have them. Do your analysis to ensure it’s acceptable to strip down.

Don’t Assume Sunbeds Are Free

These good soft solar beds you discover round European seashores are not often free. We discover that sometimes in Greece, a pair of sunbeds and an umbrella runs about €25 for the day, that is on high of any meals and drinks you might order. Nonetheless all of it relies on the seaside! Often, and I imply often we’ve come throughout “free ones” the place all it’s important to do is purchase a €5 drink, however that is extra a rarity these days.

Simply don’t make the error of plopping down in sunbeds with out meaning to pay for them!

Give Me a Phrase and I’ll Hint its Which means to Greek

Individuals touring to Greece might know what that heading means. For these of you who haven’t seen the cult hit, My Massive Fats Greek Marriage ceremony, you might know the daddy of the film famously states that he can hint the foundation of any phrase in English to its Greek origin.

Now, that is in fact just isn’t true, nevertheless it illustrates simply how proud the Greeks are of their historical past. And it’s a nice one at that! They gave us democracy and trendy philosophy, in spite of everything.

Greece Has Superb Historic Ruins

Greece is stuffed with historical ruins, medieval ruins, and buildings that simply date again to the flip of the century. It’s a Greek indisputable fact that you can find some piece of historical past just about irrespective of the place you step. Take it in doses as a result of it may possibly overwhelm you.

Many of those archaeological websites are very properly protected and restored in Greece; tourism is an enormous issue on this, and it’s best to anticipate to pay some €€ to see probably the most well-known websites. For instance, the Acropolis prices €20 for the complete expertise.

Have a Frappe or Fredo Cappuccino

Any Greece journey information wants to say Greek espresso drinks like these. These are the 2 drinks of alternative when it comes summertime. Positive, Greek espresso is legendary, and we find it irresistible. Nonetheless, a neighborhood is not going to be caught with one when it’s 35°C exterior. In the summertime, Greeks drink frappes, a chilly Nescafe topped with foamed milk and sugar, or the espresso primarily based freddo cappuccino.

Our private favourite is a Fredo Cappuccino, espresso poured over ice then topped with cold-foamed milk. A frappe at a very good takeaway value ought to value about €2 and a Fredo Cappuccino €2.50; if you end up paying extra, it higher be sit-down service, otherwise you’re getting the vacationer value.

Take pleasure in Espresso all-day

Talking of espresso, Greece doesn’t function like Italy, the place many observe the norm and have their cappuccinos earlier than midday. You’ll discover folks consuming their Freddo Cappuccinos in Greece properly into the late evening hours!

Driving In Greece is Not for the Faint of Coronary heart

If you happen to’re planning to get across the islands or mainland of Greece, you’ll rapidly study that the nation may be very tough terrain. Which means that roads wind backwards and forwards and backwards and forwards, and sometimes they’re very slim, with very quick native drivers driving previous you. They are often enjoyable for the primary thirty minutes, however after driving for 2 hours, they are often exhausting. We hope you aren’t liable to automotive illness!

You should definitely take breaks should you’re renting a automotive in Greece; usually, stopping within the little villages alongside the way in which may be among the most rewarding journey moments. Views alongside the roads are additionally gorgeous, and you’ll want to drag over to take all of it in and seize some photographs.

However You’ll Must Be taught if You Need to Hire a Automobile

Driving in Greece just isn’t like driving wherever else within the EU. Right here you journey on the shoulder of the street so these going 60km over the velocity restrict can fly by. We’re not even certain if there’s a velocity restrict on most small Greek roads, asides from the few nationwide highways. With all of the dashing, you’d assume they’d sluggish it down alongside all of the slim and windy roads, however that simply isn’t going to occur.

These Greeks have locations to be and have been born to drive on their loopy roads. In spite of everything is alleged and finished, driving in Greece may be extraordinarily rewarding, and I even realized to drive stick on these loopy roads years in the past. So, that is a straightforward addition to our Greece journey suggestions; hire a automotive and mix in with the locals (or a minimum of get out of the way in which to allow them to get by).

No One Does Hospitality Just like the Greeks

Between the Balkans, Turkey, and Greece, you can find among the friendliest individuals who take hospitality severely. We’re at all times astounded at simply how far the Greeks will go. They’ve this knack for making you go, wow! And probably the most wonderful half, particularly coming from America, is that feels real.

It isn’t some formality to the Greeks – it’s a custom they’re fiercely pleased with. When you find yourself a visitor within the fingers of a Greek, you’ll undoubtedly be taken care of.

Yasas or Yasu

Among the best Greece journey suggestions I may give you is to study just a few native phrases. It’s best to most likely study to say good day in Greek. They’re pleased with their tradition and language, and it means an amazing deal should you prolong the olive department and greet them in Greek even should you can’t converse a bit extra. “Yassas” is the formal greeting, and “yasou” is the casual singular.

Kalimera can also be an amazing phrase to study, which implies Good Morning, you’ll hear this throughout Greece. “Kalispera” is supposed to be used within the evenings.

Additionally, you will discover these phrases are far more enjoyable than simply saying “good day.” I might suggest selecting up a Greek language e-book if you wish to study just a few extra phrases.

The Greek Seashores are Attractive

Now, you can find some fairly enticing folks frolicking alongside the Greek seashores of Mykonos or Santorini, however that’s not what I’m referring to. As a substitute, I imply to speak concerning the abundance of beautiful Mediterranean bays.

The Greeks have been traditionally sea-faring folks, largely due to the Greek archipelago and the quite a few deep water bays that would harbor their ships.

These small bays are now not used for harboring ships however make for a fantastic place to go for a swim (or for the adventurous, cliff leaping). These bays are our favourite place to go for a dip as a substitute of among the extra crowded seashores. They take extra work to journey to, and they’re very small, however you’re virtually at all times rewarded with serenity.

Our FAVORITE Greek Seashores To Go to

Be taught to Love the Greek Ferries

One of the best ways to see Greece is by ferry hopping! When exploring the Greek Isles, one in all my high Greece suggestions is to anticipate to be subjected to the mercy of sluggish and typically late ferry schedules. The islands are unfold aside, and you’ll’t simply hop on a prepare to the following one.

Ferries are one of the simplest ways to journey between the islands and are your major type of transportation except you may afford to shell out cash to take flights in all places. After we’re touring round Greece I usually like to look Ferry Hopper to see the place the ferries can conveniently join me to and at what value. It’s not excellent, nevertheless it’s fairly darn good. It’s also possible to get dependable ferry schedules within the port cities the place there are ferry terminals. There are at all times places of work close to the port that will provide you with all the knowledge you want.

Additionally, should you can e-book your ferry ticket upfront do it, because it typically prices extra to e-book on the ferry terminal than on-line.

Ferry connections is usually a little bit of a battle 

Are you making an attempt to get from Serifos to Paros? Effectively that route would possibly take 15 hours with a connection, or that ferry would possibly solely run two days every week. Or you have got a rental automotive, and the one ferry you may take is for foot passengers.

When island hopping, you might be on the mercy of the ferry schedules, so it’s best to pay particular consideration to them when reserving your journey and plan accordingly. One of the best ways to do that is to mess around on Ferry Hopper. They provide all the main points it’s good to plan your journey seamlessly. It can doubtless take a little bit of trial and error plugging in dates and locations, however after when you get the dangle of it.

Ferry schedules have introduced us to some islands we would not have in any other case visited. We had no plans to go to Serifos, Ithaca, or Syros, however the ferry connections simply made sense!

E-book Your Ferry In Advance

In the course of the peak summer time season ferries do promote out, so it’s greatest to not wait till the final minute to get your ferry ticket. We suggest reserving them on-line should you can because it’s a lot simpler than shopping for a ticket on the port.

It’s usually cheaper, or the identical value, however by no means extra. We purchase all of our ferry tickets on Ferry Hopper. It’s essential to purchase your tickets a minimum of one hour earlier than scheduled ferry departures when shopping for on-line.

Some ferry corporations don’t promote tickets on-line although, and also you’ll must pay on the port. Have money readily available as they could not take bank card.

Airports On Greek Islands

In case you are questioning the way to journey to Greece one of the simplest ways is to fly to Athens, after which join by way of ferry or home airplane. There are additionally frequent routes from main European cities like London, Paris, and Rome that hook up with airports on among the Greek islands. One of the best ways to journey to Greece relies on the place precisely in Greece you’re going. Many Greek islands have airports, so that you don’t must take a ferry should you desire to not. Standard islands like Santorini, Mykonos, Paros, Naxos, Zakynthos, Kefalonia, and Corfu all have airports that hook up with different components of Europe.

Any airport on the Greek islands will hook up with Athens, however some hook up with different locations in Europe, like London, Rome, and Paris.

Nonetheless, many islands do not need airports and require you to take a ferry. Like Ithaca or Tinos. Lefkada, is a good island to street journey to as you may drive proper to it from the mainland!

Talking of Greek Islands…

Talking of islands, Greece has some wonderful ones. You could possibly spend a complete 12 months right here and nonetheless not even scratch the floor. That’s most likely the explanation why we hold returning to Greece to see a brand new island every time.

You probably have a few weeks to spare whereas touring Greece, one in all my greatest Greek journey suggestions is to hit up just a few islands as a substitute of spending all of your time on one. A few of the islands are just one hour aside by ferry, whereas some might take all day. Do your analysis on websites like Ferry Hopper and see what’s greatest for you. We’ve been to over 20 Greek islands now, so click on round and examine all of the issues to do on every!

RIP Credit score Card Factors

We love to make use of our journey rewards bank cards; nevertheless, in Greece, we regularly go away our playing cards in our wallets. Why? Effectively the Greek monetary market has seen higher days. The 2008 disaster left harsh stipulations on money withdrawals and transfers for Greek financial institution accounts. These days many Greeks desire money, and there’s a lot of one thing occurring. I gained’t say precisely what it’s, nevertheless it rhymes with max persuasion, should you’re catching my drift.

By regulation, retailers and different service suppliers are required to just accept credit score, debit, and fee playing cards and difficulty receipts. However Greece has one of many highest tax charges in Europe – a whopping 24 p.c value-added tax, so many Greeks would favor to cheat the system. The Greek authorities are asking vacationers to pay with playing cards and ask for a receipt to keep away from this, however we’ve tried this, after which the invoice goes up 24% or the enterprise vendor will simply let you know no.

We’ve been procuring earlier than and been provided big reductions to pay with money. Most of our marriage ceremony distributors? Needed to pay all these big funds in chilly, laborious money.

In different phrases, you may maintain off on your bank cards factors and anticipate to pay many Greek hosts with money,except you might be in Athens or one of many different main cities. Many locations have bank card machines, however they’ll indubitably let you already know that they like you to pay in money. Most eating places, small household motels and retailers will desire money, although every year we go to, issues change and increasingly institutions are extensively accepting bank cards from vacationers.

I even just lately paid for a €2.50 espresso with a card – a primary for me in Greece! Faucet and Apple Pay are additionally changing into a well-liked approach to pay, even on the islands!

Simply in case, be sure that to at all times have some euro on you whenever you journey to Greece. Learn extra about our journey banking suggestions.

Benefit from the Greek Delicacies and Wine!

When touring Greece it’s best to eat and revel in as many nice native Greek merchandise as you may. Right here the yogurt is simply that – yogurt. And the yogurt in Greece is amongst among the greatest you’ll ever style.

“Greek yogurt,” as it’s referred to within the U.S., was merely a advertising tactic employed by Chobani that paid off massive and adjusted the American yogurt market.

Greece additionally has some improbable white and rose wine. A phrase to the sensible, when deciding on a winery to go to or purchase from, discover people who are located within the mountainous areas. Greece is sizzling, and that doesn’t make for excellent wine; nevertheless, in the correct spots on the islands, the microclimates in mountainous areas can produce some wonderful white and rose wines.

Do you tip in Greece?

There may be not a robust tipping tradition in Greece, nevertheless it is not uncommon to depart a small token of appreciation at Greek tavernas. It’s nothing just like the US although, the place 15% is taken into account absolutely the minimal to depart the server.

You’ll see patrons leaving just a few euros on the desk after their meal, particularly if nice service is concerned. That doesn’t imply go loopy with tipping although. As an illustration, if the invoice is €56, you could possibly go away €60 if you need. We at all times wish to have just a few additional euro cash on us for tipping at tavernas.

So far as different providers, tipping a tour information, resort porter, or taxi driver isn’t compulsory however is welcome. Listed below are some basic pointers.

Taxi Drivers: Spherical as much as the closest euro

Tour Information: 10% or 15% of the price of the tour

Porters: €1-€2 a bag

“Service cost” at tavernas

While you get the invoice at a Greek taverna, you may even see a “cowl cost” for only a couple euros. This isn’t a tip, however is a small cost that covers any bread or nonbottled water delivered to the desk. If you happen to don’t need the bread, inform your waiter whenever you sit down.

Are you able to drink the water in Greece?

You’ll discover combined details about consuming faucet water in Greece. In city facilities like Athens and Thessaloniki faucet water is usually secure to drink. Nonetheless on the islands, consuming faucet water turns into extra questionable. Some locals will let you know it’s advantageous, whereas others will insist you purchase bottled water.

We propose shopping for bottled water or boiling faucet water if touring the islands – simply to be secure. We’ve by no means had an issue brushing our enamel with faucet water wherever in Greece.

Don’t throw the Rest room paper within the trash

This is among the most essential Greece journey tricks to know! Subsequent to each bathroom in Greece, you’ll discover a small trash can, and sure an indication saying to not throw something in the bathroom.

That signal actually means don’t throw something in the bathroom – even bathroom paper. The sewage pipes are very previous and slim and even bathroom paper will get clogged simply.

Put together for a Greek siesta

It’s not simply Spain and Italy that take noon breaks, however you may anticipate it in Greece too. Enterprise sometimes will get going round 8 or 9am in Greece, with a siesta time within the afternoon.

Sometimes between 2-6. Throughout this time, you’ll discover city facilities, eating places, and retailers very quiet or closed except you might be in an space that primarily caters to vacationers. Don’t fear issues will begin to ramp up once more come night time and final properly into the evening.

Put together to Keep Out Late

We as soon as went to one in all Athens’s hottest sushi eating places at 7:30pm with out reservations, pondering there was no means we might ever get seated. Solely to reach and see that we have been the one ones there. As we ate our meal, the customerless eating places slowly began to fill. By 10pm, folks have been beginning to get seated.

Issues in Greece get going fairly late, like a lot of the Mediterranean.

It may be considered a rustic that by no means sleeps, and no time is “too late” for dinner. Most tavernas will keep open till midnight or later.

Grocery Shops in Greece

You’re on trip in Greece so that you’ll doubtless eat most of your meals on the improbable Greek eating places and tavernas. Although don’t be shy about venturing within the many Greek grocery shops.

From olives, to feta, to honey there are some nice merchandise within the supermarkets. We love venturing into them not simply to seize dinner provides if we’re staying a spot with a kitchen, however extra for the olives and tzatziki – oh and wine!

A few of the extra common grocery shops are Sklavenitis, Alfa Beta Vassilopoulos, and Lidl. We discover the very best merchandise at Alfa Beta Vassilopoulos (proven as AB).

What Are the Meltemi Winds?

Meltemi winds are robust, dry, and gusty winds that happen within the Aegean Sea and the northeastern Mediterranean. They’re mostly skilled in Greece and Turkey, notably on the coasts and islands.

These winds are attributable to a high-pressure system over southeastern Europe that attracts in sizzling, dry air from the north. The winds sometimes happen through the summer time months, and might final for a number of days at a time. They’ll trigger tough seas and make crusing and different water actions troublesome. Inland and on the seaside they’ll create sandstorms and create a not so good seaside going expertise.

The strongest winds sometimes happen in July and August, but in addition in September. I might know as we had 50km+ gusts of wind on my marriage ceremony day in Paros in September!

Renting a Automobile in Greece

We extremely suggest renting a automotive in Greece to get round. It doesn’t matter what mainland city, or Greek island you might be visiting, we promise a automotive will make your life simpler and journey extra pleasant.

Most islands – even the smaller ones – have rental automotive businesses. A few of the extra touristy islands, like Milos, Zakynthos, or Paros have internationally acknowledged manufacturers to hire from, like Hertz and Sixt. Whereas some islands like Tinos solely have native automotive corporations.

Do your analysis and work out day charges on the native islands. Now we have discovered it’s usually cheaper and fewer trouble to hire a automotive on one island, after which take that automotive on the ferry to the opposite islands.

Sure, we’ve to pay extra to deliver that automotive on the ferry, however the comfort of not fussing with renting a brand new automotive at each vacation spot we go to outweighs that value.

Can You Hire a Boat in Greece?

Among the best issues to do on the Greek coast is hire a ship for the day and discover all of the hidden coves and bay accessible by way of boat. Can vacationers hire a ship in Greece?

Sure! You don’t want a particular license to hire a ship in Greece if the boat is beneath 30 hp. Nonetheless it clearly helps when you have pushed a ship earlier than as you might be driving out on the ocean, and expertise helps. If you happen to don’t really feel comfy driving by your self, you may rent a skipper to drive you round to the bays as properly!

Preserve an eye fixed out for the climate when renting a ship; you don’t need to choose a windy and uneven day as it would undoubtedly have an effect on your day, and your operator might even must cancel your journey! We wish to verify the climate in Greece on Meteo Greece.

We love renting a ship in Greece in order that we will discover the islands we’re on by water! Now we have rented a ship in Corfu, Paros, and Kefalonia up to now and can proceed to hire a ship yearly. The prices is usually round Є120-Є170 per day plus gasoline.

Lodge Bookings in Greece

In case you are touring between mid June and September, it’s greatest to e-book your resort properly upfront. One of the best locations in Greece on the most well-liked islands are likely to e-book up rapidly.

We discover that Reserving.com has the very best choice for locating motels in Greece. Ensure that to concentrate to the cancellation coverage so you may at all times change plans if want be.

Keep in mind our dialogue about money? Effectively, enjoyable Greece journey tip. If you happen to provide to pay on your guesthouse in money you’ll usually get a less expensive fee in Greece. This nevertheless would contain you avoiding third occasion reserving websites like Resorts.com and Reserving.com and reserving your room straight. This includes a bit extra work in your finish, however is likely to be definitely worth the financial savings.

This tends to be a dying means of doing enterprise with the web, however we’ve seen it nonetheless in motion on the smaller islands. If you happen to arrive on an island in Greece and don’t have a spot booked, many small resort homeowners and people with non-public rooms will greet passengers off the ferry and provide their rooms. If you happen to arrive late at evening with out something booked, it beats sleeping on the seaside (which we’ve finished earlier than in Greece).

The bigger your group the earlier it’s best to e-book your lodging. It’s a lot tougher to accommodate for six folks than 1 or 2.

I Solely Have One Week in Greece – The place Ought to I Go?

Ooh it is a robust one! Most first-time guests to Greece will doubtless need to hit Santorini, although I discover Santorini the busiest and touristy island. After touring to over 20 different islands, I really feel you get a way more “Greek” expertise off of Santorini.

If you happen to solely have one week, or another quick period of time in Greece, it’s greatest to stay to 1 island chain and discover these areas. The principle vacationer Greek island chains are the Cycladic, Ionian, Sporades, Dodecanese Islands, and Saronic Islands.

They’re all totally different and distinctive and we propose you do additional analysis to seek out out what group of islands could be greatest for you. With using ferries you may see 3 or 4 islands in only one week, relying on how briskly you need to journey. Although this could be exhausting, and it’s best to a minimum of spend 3 days on every island you go to.

Our high favourite Greek islands are Corfu, Milos, Tinos, Paros, Hydra, Kefalonia, and Lefkada. Although each island gives one thing totally different. You may see our favorites and why on this article right here.

Taxi Cabs in Athens

Taxi cab scams in Athens, like in lots of main cities is usually a drawback for guests. Some issues to be looking out for are:

Overcharging: Some taxi drivers might use a tampered meter or quote a flat fee that’s a lot increased than the usual fee. To keep away from this, it’s best to agree on a fare earlier than entering into the taxi, and to familiarize your self with the approximate value of a taxi journey out of your level of origin to your vacation spot.

Taking an extended route: Some taxi drivers might take an extended path to your vacation spot to be able to enhance the fare. To keep away from this, it’s best to know the overall path to your vacation spot and to look at the meter rigorously. I like to drag up Google Maps and ensure the motive force just isn’t taking longer routes.

Giving incorrect change again: Most Greek taxis don’t settle for bank card so attempt to have small payments to pay with. A typical rip-off in Athens is to provide the improper change again, and the taxi driver will insist you handed him a smaller observe than what you probably did. As an illustration if the invoice is €35 and also you pay with a €50, the taxi driver will go get change, and offer you again a €5, insisting that you simply solely gave him €40. Keep away from this case by paying the precise quantity.

To keep away from such scams, it’s best to make use of an official taxi and keep away from unmarked automobiles. Search for the yellow “Taxi” signal on the roof of the automotive and ensure the motive force makes use of the meter. Uber works in Athens however not sometimes on the airport or ferry terminal. It’s value noting that we bought in an official yellow taxi, with a meter, with the police directing the taxi cabs and our driver nonetheless tried to rip-off us. All the time bear in mind and use your road smarts in relation to utilizing taxis in massive cities in Greece.

Greek ‘Filotimo

I’ll conclude these Greece journey suggestions with one essential phrase – Filotimo. Which can appear bizarre after occurring about taxi scams, however on the whole this phrase is about goodness.

Filotimo is a Greek phrase with no direct translation in English, however typically refers to a way of honor, dignity, and respect for oneself and others. It additionally encompasses values and ideas thought-about essential in Greek tradition, akin to generosity, hospitality, and selflessness.

Filotimo is commonly described as a basic facet of Greek id and tradition, and is commonly cited as the explanation for the heat and hospitality that Greeks are recognized for. Filotimo has been handed down by way of generations and is an unwritten code of conduct adhered to by the Greek folks.

Transport Round Greece

Flying to Greece

Attending to Greece from elsewhere in Europe has by no means been cheaper with funds airways akin to RyanAir servicing Athens. Aegean Airways additionally flys throughout Greece. In case you are touring from a unique continent, you’ll almost definitely must be routed by way of Athens earlier than you go wherever. Emirates runs a direct route from New York to Athens. We frequently seize a direct flight to London, after which proceed on to Greece on a unique leg. It’s also possible to typically rating an inexpensive flight to Crete, the biggest island in Greece. Santorini, Mykonos, and Corfu even have many flights that hook up with mainland Europe.

Ferry or Fly to the Islands

One of the best ways to get to the Greek islands is by way of ferry or airplane. The Greek islands are unfold aside, and sadly, you may’t simply hop on a brief ferry to the following one, and lots of islands don’t have an airport. Relying on the journey, the ferry can take endlessly, or if it’s the next-door island, it may possibly take as little as two hours. It’s advisable to e-book your ferry tickets beforehand, particularly within the excessive season. I wish to verify Ferry Hopper to see routes and e-book tickets.

Get a Rental Automobile

As soon as in Greece, one of the simplest ways to get round is with a rental automotive. This allows you to get to all of the locations you need to get to by yourself schedule. A guide rental automotive can go for €15 a day within the off-season as much as €35 a day within the increased seasons and can make sure you get to all the very best locations in Greece. Understanding the way to drive a guide automotive will get you higher costs in Europe. If you happen to’re touring as a bunch, it’s value your whereas to rent a automotive on your journey.

We traveled round Greece for 3 weeks and paid about €20 a day for a automotive rental in Crete, and €25 a day in Corfu! These have been fairly respectable offers in my view! I typically wish to verify comparability websites so I can get the very best costs.

When is the Greatest Time to Go to Greece?

Excessive season (June-September)

Like most locations in Europe, Greece’s excessive season runs from June to mid-September. That is when you can find the very best sunny climate, as famous above, but in addition crowds, particularly on the favored islands like Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete. Days are longer, the climate is HOT, particularly in July and August, so that you’ll need to be near a pool or ocean. Lodge and automotive rental costs are at their highest.

Shoulder Season (April -Could and Late Sept/October-November)

The climate in Greece is cooler throughout these months, some would take into account it far more comfy than prime summertime climate. It’s not as busy as {the summertime}, however you’ll nonetheless see loads of vacationers lingering about. Costs on lodging and automotive leases will drop throughout this time. The shoulder season is usually a improbable time to go to Greece.

Low Season (Late November- early April)

The temperatures are cooler through the off-season in Greece. You’ll nonetheless see loads of sunny days but in addition many overcast days and little to no sunbathing. It’s too chilly to take a dip within the water, however you may nonetheless benefit from the seashores with some garments on to maintain heat within the breeze. The upside is you’ll discover low costs and low numbers of vacationers. The unhealthy aspect is many companies shut for the season and the vibe just isn’t what you would possibly anticipate out of a visit to Greece.

The Greatest Time to Go to Greece

What to Pack for Greece?

Spending a summer time on one of many many Greek islands? Fortunate you. Chances are you’ll be questioning simply what to pack for Greece, and we’ve you lined!