The Ultimate Greece FAQs: Tips, Tricks, and Must-Know Info

Greece is a country in Southeast Europe, located on the southern tip of the Balkan Peninsula.

– Continent: Europe
– Region: Southeast Europe
– Borders: Albania (northwest), North Macedonia (north), Bulgaria (north), Turkey (northeast)
– Seas: Ionian Sea (west), Aegean Sea (east), Mediterranean Sea (south)

Athens, the vibrant capital of Greece, is a fascinating mix of ancient history and modern life. Here, you’ll find iconic landmarks like the Acropolis and Parthenon, alongside bustling markets, trendy neighborhoods, and a lively food scene.

Greek, of course! But don’t worry if you don’t speak it. English is widely understood, especially in tourist areas. Learning a few basic phrases like “kalimera” (good morning) and “efcharisto” (thank you) will definitely earn you some smiles.

The euro (€) is the official currency. Be sure to check the current exchange rates before your trip and consider using a credit card for most transactions. Tipping isn’t mandatory, but rounding up the bill or leaving a few euros is appreciated.

Greece follows Eastern European Time (EET), which is two hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+2).Daylight saving time is observed from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October.

The shoulder seasons (spring and fall) are ideal for pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices. Summer can be scorching hot, especially on the islands, but it’s perfect for beach lovers and party-goers. Winter is mild, but some islands may have limited services.

Greece is a country, but it boasts over 2,000 islands! Each island has its own unique charm, from the iconic Santorini and Mykonos to the lesser-known gems like Naxos and Milos.

Greece is a treasure trove of ancient history, mythology, stunning islands, and mouthwatering cuisine. It’s the birthplace of democracy, the home of the Olympian gods, and a paradise for beach lovers, foodies, and history buffs.

Yes, generally. Greece is a safe destination for travelers, but it’s always wise to take precautions. Watch out for pickpockets in crowded areas, keep your belongings secure, and be mindful of your surroundings.

Greek Orthodox Christianity is the dominant religion, and you’ll find beautiful churches and monasteries scattered throughout the country.

The Acropolis with the Parthenon is a must-see, but don’t miss the ancient sanctuary of Delphi, the birthplace of the Olympic Games in Olympia, and the Minoan palace of Knossos on Crete.

Zeus, the king of the gods, Athena, the goddess of wisdom, Poseidon, the god of the sea, and Hades, the god of the underworld, are just a few of the fascinating characters in Greek mythology.

Sirtaki, the iconic dance from “Zorba the Greek,” and Kalamatianos, a lively circle dance, are popular at festivals and celebrations.

Greeks celebrate name days (the feast day of the saint they’re named after) with more enthusiasm than birthdays. Easter is the biggest holiday, with elaborate celebrations and feasts. And the concept of “philoxenia” (hospitality) is deeply ingrained in Greek culture.

The Greek pantheon includes twelve major gods and goddesses, each with their own domain: 

– Zeus (sky and thunder)
– Hera (marriage and family)
– Poseidon (sea and earthquakes)
– Demeter (agriculture and fertility)
– Athena (wisdom and warfare)
– Ares (war and violence)
– Apollo (music, poetry, and light)
– Artemis (hunting and wilderness)
– Hephaestus (fire and metalworking)
– Aphrodite (love and beauty)
– Hermes (trade, travel, and communication)
– Hestia (home and hearth).

Greece boasts a rich and complex history, spanning thousands of years. It’s home to ancient civilizations like the Minoans and Mycenaeans, the birthplace of democracy in Athens, and a major player in the Roman and Byzantine empires.

Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle are considered the founding fathers of Western philosophy, and their ideas continue to shape our thinking today.

If you’re a citizen of the European Union, the European Economic Area, or Switzerland, you don’t need a visa. Citizens of many other countries can visit Greece visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Check the entry requirements for your specific nationality.

Santorini, with its iconic white-washed buildings and stunning sunsets, Mykonos, known for its vibrant nightlife and beautiful beaches, Crete, the largest island with diverse landscapes and rich history, and Rhodes, a medieval walled city with ancient ruins and charming villages, are all popular choices. But don’t overlook the hidden gems like Naxos, Paros,Milos, and Hydra.

Moussaka (a layered eggplant and meat dish), souvlaki (grilled meat skewers), gyros (meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie), and Greek salad (with feta cheese, tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives) are just a few of the delicious dishes you’ll find in Greece.

Retsina, a white wine flavored with pine resin, ouzo, a strong anise-flavored aperitif, and Assyrtiko, a crisp white wine from Santorini, are all worth trying.

Ferries are the most common way to travel between the islands, while buses and trains are convenient for mainland travel.Taxis are readily available in cities, and car rentals are a good option for exploring more remote areas.

It depends on your interests and pace. A week is enough to get a taste of Athens and a couple of islands, but two weeks or more will allow you to explore more in depth.

Greece is blessed with countless beautiful beaches, from the black sands of Santorini’s Perissa Beach to the party vibes of Mykonos’ Paradise Beach. Elafonisi Beach on Crete, Navagio Beach on Zakynthos, and Voidokilia Beach in the Peloponnese are just a few of the stunning shores you’ll discover.

Greece can be quite affordable, especially if you travel during the shoulder seasons and avoid the most touristy islands.Expect to spend around €50-€80 per day on accommodation, food, and activities.

– Kalimera (kah-lee-MEH-rah): Good morning
– Kalispera (kah-lee-SPEH-rah): Good afternoon/evening
– Yia sas (yah-SAHS): Hello/Goodbye (informal, plural)
– Yia sou (yah-SOO): Hello/Goodbye (informal, singular)
– Efcharisto (ef-kha-ri-STOH): Thank you
– Parakalo (para-kah-LOH): Please/You’re welcome
– Ne (neh): Yes
– Ochi (OH-hee): No
– Pou ine…? (poo EE-neh): Where is…?

While tap water is generally safe, bottled water is recommended, especially on the islands.

Tipping isn’t mandatory, but rounding up the bill or leaving a few euros is appreciated in restaurants and taxis. In hotels, you can leave a few euros for the housekeeping staff.

Yes, credit cards are widely accepted in most establishments, but it’s always good to have some cash on hand for smaller businesses or remote areas.

Pack light, breathable clothing for the warm weather, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, comfortable shoes for walking on cobblestone streets and exploring ancient sites, and a swimsuit if you plan on hitting the beach.

Yes, English is widely spoken in Greece, particularly in tourist areas, major cities, and among younger generations.

– Prevalence: Over 50% of the Greek population can speak English.
– Commonality: Most people working in tourism, hospitality, and service industries speak English fluently.
– Tourist Areas: English is even more prevalent in popular tourist destinations like Athens, Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete.
– Recommendation: While English is sufficient for most interactions, learning a few basic Greek phrases is appreciated and enhances your travel experience.

Greece uses Type C and F plugs, so if your devices use a different type of plug, you’ll need an adaptor.

The dress code is generally casual, but it’s important to dress respectfully when visiting churches and monasteries. Cover your shoulders and knees, and avoid wearing revealing clothing. In everyday life, comfortable shoes are a must for navigating cobblestone streets, and light, breathable fabrics are ideal for the warm weather.