Greece Travel Tips

Tips for Visitors to Greece

1. 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).
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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).