Greece Travel Tips

In this Lens I thought I'd set out some tips and advice for anyone who may be thinking of visiting Greece for the first time.

The tips below are aimed mainly at people going on holiday to Greece. However, I hope they may be useful for people travelling on business or for other reasons as well.

Greece is a beautiful and fascinating country, and Greek people genuinely enjoy welcoming visitors and extending hospitality to them. Have a great time while you're there. I'm sure you will!

Tips for Visitors to Greece

Here are a few basic Dos and Don'ts for newcomers to Greece...

DO learn at least one or two words of the language. Here are a few to start you off: Kalimera (good morning), Kalispera (Good evening), Kalinichta (good night), Efharisto (Thank you), Parakalo (Please).
DON'T get paranoid about the water. Greek tap water is safe to drink, so there is no need to boil it before using. It is, however, high in mineral salts, so for day to day drinking most people buy bottled water.
DO eat in the local tavernas. You'll find them friendly and inexpensive, with a good range of choice, even for non-meat eaters. Enjoying a delicious evening meal in a taverna as the sun sets through the trees and the moon rises above the ocean is what Greek holidays are all about.
DO try the 'open' wine, which is on offer at most tavernas in 1 litre and 1/2 litre carafes. Red and white are always available, and sometimes rose as well. These wines are very inexpensive, typically 4 euro a litre, and generally of a good standard. Bear in mind that the red wines will not be chilled.
DON'T expect luxury accommodation. Most Greek holiday apartments are fairly basic, with showers rather than baths, and a limited range of furniture. More recently built hotels and apartments typically have more features, for which you can expect to pay extra.
DON'T put paper down the toilet. Greek plumbing simply cannot cope with this, and if you do so the pipes will block and the toilet will overflow. Put paper into the bin beside the toilet. These will be emptied every time your room is serviced.
DO find out about the local public transport. Buses are very inexpensive, and can be a great way of visiting the local towns. They may not run very frequently, however, so do check the timetable first.
DO attend the welcome meeting if you are travelling as part of a package tour. This applies even if you have visited the area before. Apart from the information on offer, it's a good idea to get to know who your rep is. Remember that they are there to help you, and will be happy to assist with booking taxis, recommending places to eat, and so on.
DO remember that some aspects of dining out in Greece may be different from what you are used to at home. For example, in many tavernas you will be expected to use the same knife and fork for both starter and main course. In more traditional establishments, both courses may arrive together, and they may be served warm rather than piping hot.
DO remember as well that in Greece dessert tends to be taken in bars and ice cream parlors rather than in tavernas. In tourist areas many tavernas do now offer a range of desserts, but when in Greece there is a lot to be said for doing what the locals do and moving on somewhere else for dessert (if you want it).

Pictures from my Greek holidays

Click on the images below to visit my albums on Picasa

Stoupa 2006

Kefalonia2007

Books on Greece from Amazon

Here are some books from the world's favorite online bookstore to further your knowledge of Greece...

Travels with Herodotus (Vintage International)

by Ryszard Kapuscinski

Amazon Price: $10.17 (as of 07/25/2008)

Hour of the Olympics (Magic Tree House #16) (A Stepping Stone Book(TM))

by Mary Pope Osborne

Amazon Price: $3.99 (as of 07/25/2008)

Greek Islands (EYEWITNESS TRAVEL GUIDE)

by DK Publishing

Amazon Price: $16.50 (as of 07/25/2008)

Frommer's Greece (Frommer's Complete)

by Sherry Marker, John S. Bowman, Peter Kerasiotis, Rebecca Tobin

Amazon Price: $14.95 (as of 07/25/2008)

My Family and Other Animals

by Gerald Durrell

Amazon Price: $11.20 (as of 07/25/2008)

Your Comments Welcome

Let me know if you enjoyed this Lens, and in particular if you have any other tips for visitors to Greece you think I should include.

Travelglomerate

I really enjoy reading tips from travelers who enjoy experiencing the culture of the places they go. Well done!
Ann Lund http://www.travelglomerate.com
Get a Travel Site Like Mine

Posted September 13, 2007

Blo

Hi Nick,
I created a website that could be useful for your readers.
It's www.saveonroaming.net and it explains how to avoid expensive roaming fees on your mobile phone and lists all the rates and special offers in Greece.
Thanks for your attention,
Blo

Posted May 24, 2007