20 Tips You Must Know Before Going to Greece

Greece is a beautiful country with a rich history and culture. If you are planning a trip to Greece, here are some tips to help make your travels more enjoyable:

1. WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO GO? To get the best deals, the best time to visit are the months of April and May, or Sept and October. Hotels are more affordable, weather is also a bit cooler and beaches won’t be as packed. June through August are the peak months and hotels are more expensive. Greece is pretty much closed for business from mid October through mid March.
2. BOOK AHEAD. To avoid long lines and overcrowded attractions, plan your trip in advance and book your accommodations, flights, and tours ahead of time. It is hard to go wrong with hotels on the islands. Greek locals and hoteliers have great taste when it comes to accommodations. They love to entertain and are obsessed with cleanliness. Even inexpensive hotels are beautiful and clean.
3. DRESS AND PACK LIGHT. Greece can get very hot during the summer months, so be sure to dress in light, breathable clothing. However, remember to dress appropriately when visiting religious sites, such as churches and monasteries, by covering your shoulders and legs. No need to bring special shoes – the official footwear in Greece are flip flops during the day and stylish sandals at night.
4. TRY THE LOCAL CUISINE. Greek cuisine is delicious and varied, so make sure to try as many local dishes as possible. From fresh seafood to souvlaki and tzatziki, the food in Greece is sure to delight your taste buds. Ask your hotel owner for suggestions. They know all the secret places that are good and inexpensive.
5. BRING CASH. While credit cards are widely accepted in larger cities and tourist areas, it’s always a good idea to carry cash with you. Many small shops and restaurants only accept cash, and some rural areas may not have ATMs.
6. LEARN BASIC GREEK WORDS. While many Greeks speak English, it’s always appreciated when tourists make an effort to speak the local language. Learn some basic Greek phrases such as “hello” (yasou), “thank you” (efharisto), and “please” (parakalo).
7. BE KIND AND GENEROUS. The tipping practice, according to handbooks, is “just leave your change” after dinner. WRONG! The American tourists ruined this for everyone. Always leave at least 10% for the staff (15% if you’re REALLY happy with your meal and service).
8. BE RESPECTFUL OF CUSTOMS. Greece is a surprisingly a conservative country, especially when it comes to public behavior. Always be respectful of local customs and traditions, especially when visiting religious sites. At the beach, you can wear whatever you want. But when going out at night, dress nice.
9. BEFRIEND THE LOCALS. If a local invites you to dinner at their home- don’t even think about it, say “YES”. Greek people are such kind, hospitable and loving people. Once they welcome you to their home, you are FAMILY to them. They would give their own bed for you! An amazing Greek friend’s family insisted I stay at their house for 2 weeks. They also fed me non stop and loaned me their car during the duration of my stay.
10. EXPLORE BEYOND. While Athens, Santorini, and Mykonos are popular tourist destinations, Greece has much more to offer. Consider exploring some of the lesser-known islands, such as Patmos, Ios, Antiparos, Naxos or Paros, or visiting some of the smaller towns and villages on the mainland.
11. PACK FOR COMFORT. Wear your most comfortable outfits. Remember that whatever you bring, you have to haul this around from one island to another. I have traveled to Greece for a month with one small suitcase. I generally wash my clothes and they dry easily. They also have inexpensive laundry services around the island.
12. BE STYLISH! The Greek islands are probably one of the most instagrammable countries in the world, so BRING FABULOUS outfits! You will be the envy of all your friends. Everyone looks like an influencer here. LOL.
13. THE ATHENS AIRPORT IS VERY FAR FROM TOWN. It is an expensive cab ride ($50 to $60). So plan your trip accordingly. If you’re visiting the islands, it may be faster, easier and cheaper to take a ferry.
14. USE THE FERRY. The inter-island ferries between islands is absolutely beautiful (and generally safe). They are almost never on time, but they are beautiful inside. If you have an option between a large or a small ferry, go with the larger one. The larger the boat, the more amenities it has. GET TO THE FERRY 15 MIN BEFORE DEPARTURE. Most passengers think that they have to be there 1 hour before your ferry schedule. Arrive about only 15 minutes before arrival. You will just be burning under the sun. Most likely, the ferry will be late anyway. LOL.
15. YOU CAN HAGGLE. If you visit during off season, you can haggle. I have done this at rental car companies. You can get as much as 20% to 25% off if you have bargaining skills. “Hi, the other rental car company only charges 40 Euros a day (they are not LOL), but they don’t have the type of car I want. Can you match it?” If they have 10 cars on their lot, they will match it.
16. VISIT SANTORINI ANYWAY. Yes, Santorini is insanely touristy. But you have to visit it at least once in your lifetime. Stay in Akrotiri, a less touristy part of the island.
17. AVOID THE CROWD. If you want to avoid the crowd, walk around Oia and Fira (or any touristy town) from 7:00 am to 10:00 am. That is before all the cruise ship people show up, or from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm, when all the cruise ship crowd are gone. It will be just you and the local cats. LOL.
18. BUY A SIMM CARD. There are many kiosks that sell them for under 10 Euros and they are good for 1 month. It will keep you connected to the world.
19. PARTY FIRST! If Mykonos is on your itinerary, visit Mykonos FIRST. You would most likely party a lot. And it is best to get the partying out of the way, and you can recover in other islands after. You won’t want to fly back to the US with a massive hangover.
20. ATTEND THE LOCAL EVENTS. If you find yourself in Greece during Easter Sunday, that is their most celebrated holiday. You are in for a treat! You can partake in this local, festive tradition and you can party and dine with the locals. They have many other holidays and cultural events (like dance or concerts) that are geared for locals. Try to ask your hotel owner or locals if they know of any events in town.

Overall, Greece is a beautiful and fascinating country that offers something for every type of traveler. With a little preparation and an open mind, your trip to Greece is sure to be a memorable one.

If you need a travel agent to help plan your trip- my friend Mina’s travel agency is one of the most reputable Greek travel agencies. Visit their website at: https://www.travelive.com/ or call 1-888-377-5483. They can help you in planning the most perfect itinerary that fits your budget. PLEASE TELL THEM THAT EDWIN REFERRED YOU! You will get an extra special attention!

I don’t know a single a person who went to Greece and did not have an amazing time.

 

My Greek posse in Paros! They are all so amazingly kind, generous and thoughtful. Top – Christos, Giannis and Nikos. Bottom row – Vasilis and Sarantos.

My two Greek BFFs who I met in Paros. I met Sarantos (right) one evening when he found my wallet at the restaurant he works at. I was island hopping during COVID and felt lonely halfway through the trip. “Come back here to Paros,” he said, “You have friends here.” So I came back and he introduced me to his family and friends (who later became my friends too). They have visited me in LA twice, and I have visited them in Greece twice.

 

The whole posse during my good bye dinner in Greece.

 

My Greek posse in Paros! They are all so amazingly kind, generous and thoughtful. Top – Christos, Giannis and Nikos. Bottom row – Vasilis and Sarantos.

My two Greek BFFs who I met in Paros. I met Sarantos (right) one evening when he found my wallet at the restaurant he works at. I was island hopping during COVID and felt lonely halfway through the trip. “Come back here to Paros,” he said, “You have friends here.” So I came back and he introduced me to his family and friends (who later became my friends too). They have visited me in LA twice, and I have visited them in Greece twice.

 

The whole posse during my good bye dinner in Greece.