Tips for first time travellers to Greece

If you’ve never been to Greece and are planning a greek holiday here are some tips that I think you will find useful:

Cash is King

Greece’s currency is the Euro. When travelling, I convert a few hundred dollars to Euros before I get to Greece - that way I don’t need to rush to an ATM as soon as I arrive.

Speaking of ATMS, there are ATMs everywhere in Greece, so no need to worry about being able to get cash out.

Although credit cards are widely accepted in most restaurants, hotels and stores on the islands and in the main cities, smaller family run tavernas, little kiosks (periptera), markets and smaller villages don’t have credit card facilities. So it’s wise to have cash with you at all times.

Safety in Greece

Greece on the whole is very safe and the people very friendly. However, there are some neighbourhoods in Athens such as Omonia where I prefer to travel in a group. Like many other busy European cities, the only crime I would be cautious about is pick-pockets, especially crowded and public places. Just be mindful of your wallet and personal belongings and never carry too much cash on you - that’s what hotel safes are for!

There is more to Greece than the Greek Islands

While most people associate Greece with the Greek Islands, there are so many more beautiful places to see. Mainland Greece offers plenty of ancient ruins and antiquities, beautiful monasteries and mystical rock formations. Not to mention the lush green country side and unique towns along the coast. It would such a shame to miss seeing it all!

Island hopping

In saying that, there are so many beautiful islands in Greece and travelling between them is easy with the ferries. The ferries are plentiful and generally reliable, especially over the summer months. You can book your tickets from the many travel agencies around the ports.

If you are on a strict time schedule, I suggest you book your tickets early from home and allow at least a day for your departure.

*Don’t worry about diets when you’re on your Greek holiday*

Eat & drink like a local

I would strongly suggest staying at independent hotels rather than big international chains as well as opting out of all-inclusive meal packages. The food in Greece is so fresh, plentiful and so well priced, you really need to sample a variety of it! Get off the main street and find the tavernas filled with the locals - and let them order for you.

*Best way to travel around the Greek Islands*

Yiasou or Yiamas

Although everyone speaks fluent English and you will not have any problem communicating in Greece, it’s always nice to learn a bit of the language. (Actually, without sounding too much like the dad from My Big Fat Greek Wedding, you already do - the Oxford Dictionary say 150,000 words derive from Greek). Two words you should learn are Yiasou (or formal/plural Yiasas), which means hello and goodbye, and Yiamas, which means cheers. They will love you!

Beachwear

Even though Greeks are religious people, the beaches (especially on some islands) are famous for bikini-tops being optional, that applies to all ages and all sizes. On that note, I love that on Greek beaches most women wear bikinis - which is so refreshing to see lack of self-consciousness and positive body image.

Don’t try to see too much

I totally understand, there is so much to see and do in Greece but do like the locals though and take it easy. If you try to see five island in 10 days, you will spend a lot of your time on ferries and not on land! Try to see two to three islands in 10 days and enjoy the experience. If you want to see many islands in less time, it’s probably better to go on a cruise. There are also many day trips and catamaran tours if short on time.

Free WiFi

Most cafes, bars, restaurants, tavernas, hotels - practically everywhere you go - there is free and fast WiFi, so be sure to ask for that magical password. I had a situation at a taverna recently where my phone picked up the Wifi from when I was there three years ago!

No need for high heels

I know, I know, I have been guilty of this! You are going to Mykonos and want to dress up for a night on the town. But believe me when I say this to you, you will not wear them! You do so much walking on narrow cobblestone streets, that only sneakers, slides and flat sandals will do.

Pack light

Again I need to practise what I preach! You don’t need heavy clothes in Greece and/or very formal clothes. And you most definitely don’t need to pack a lot. You will get tired of dragging over-stuffed suitcases on and off ferries and through paved streets.

If you are travelling in summer, your bathers/bikinis/boardies, some light summer clothes, flat shoes, sneakers and a cross body bag (can’t stress this enough!) will do. It’s a good idea to pack a light cardigan for the evenings when staying on the islands as it can get a bit cool . If you missed packing something, remember there are shops everywhere - good excuse to buy some beautiful new things!

Alcohol and Greeks

Greeks have a real healthy attitude to alcohol, especially wine. You drink with your meal, in moderation and not to get drunk. The legal drinking age is 18 and 16 under supervision but no one really monitors this. While there are bars and nightclubs everywhere, you rarely see Greeks drunk and public displays of drunkenness are generally frowned upon.

Buy local

One of my favourite things to do in Greece is shop. No matter if you’re on a touristy island or in a small village, you will find jewellery makers, potters, cobblers and artisans whose families have been involved in their respective craft for generations. By the end of a trip to Greece, my suitcase is always filled with little knick-knacks (bibela) to take home with me to remind me of a place, a person, a conversation.

I love supporting these local traders, as there are not many places left in the world that still do this. Visiting a local store is also a great way to start a conversation, as Greeks take pride in their work and love showing it to you! The same applies to galleries and museums, with many of the souvenirs locally made.

You’re on Greek time

You will quickly realise that there is no sense of urgency in Greece - you are now officially on ‘Greek time.’ This means super late dinners, long coffee breaks and the famous afternoon siesta. I guess if you can’t beat them you can have fun joining them.

The most important tip I have for you is to enjoy! Enjoy Greece and everything that it has to offer you.