20 tips for traveling to greece
Greece is hands-down one of our most requested honeymoon spots. After planning dozens of trips there, we’ve gathered our best no-fluff tips to help you travel smarter.
Don’t try to do it all in one trip. Focus on 1–2 regions or islands.
Greece is vast and diverse, focusing on fewer destinations lets you truly experience the local culture without burnout.
Ferries are reliable, but book ahead in high season.
During summer, ferries fill up quickly, so book early to secure your preferred departure times.
Island hopping sounds romantic, but travel days add up.
Each transit day can take 6+ hours when you factor in checkouts, port time, and travel.
Athens is worth more than a layover. Stay at least 2 nights.
Beyond the Acropolis, Athens offers vibrant neighborhoods, history, food, and nightlife that's often overlooked.
Taxis don’t use meters consistently, so either ask for the price in advance or ask the driver to use the meter.
Or use an app like Beat. Beat works like Uber and ensures transparent pricing, especially in cities like Athens or Thessaloniki.
Cash is king, especially in smaller towns.
While cards are widely accepted in cities, rural areas and family-run businesses often prefer cash.
Taverna dining is casual, so don’t expect fast service.
Europeans generally view meals as a time to relax and connect, often eating slowly and enjoying extended conversations at the table. Servers typically won’t bring the bill until you ask.
Learn a few Greek words. Locals will appreciate it!
Simple phrases like “Yia” (pronouced: Ya) (hello) or “Efharistó” (pronouced: eff-kah-rees-toh) (thank you) go a long way in showing respect.
Coffee is a culture. Try a freddo espresso, not just a frappe.
Coffee breaks are social rituals, and freddos are the local go-to in warm weather.
Sundays are for family, so some things might close.
Especially outside major cities, many shops and restaurants may have limited hours or be closed entirely.
Always carry sunscreen + water. It gets hot, even in May and September.
The Mediterranean sun is strong, and dehydration can sneak up on you during long walks or beach days.
Speaking of which, shoulder seasons (May/Sept) are the sweet spot.
You'll get great weather, fewer crowds, and better prices without the midsummer heat.
Dress modestly for monasteries and churches.
Cover shoulders and knees. A scarf or sarong in your bag is handy for spontaneous visits.
ATMs charge different fees. Avoid Euronet machines, if possible.
Stick to ATMs at Greek banks (like Piraeus or Alpha Bank) to avoid high withdrawal fees.
Tips are appreciated, not expected. Rounding up is fine.
Leaving small change or rounding up the bill is enough.
You don’t need to rent a car on every island.
While renting a car can give you flexibility on some of the larger islands like Crete or Naxos, it's not necessary everywhere, like Santorini, Mykonos, or Hydra. Many islands are walkable or have great local transit.
Book key experiences (like sunset cruises) in advance.
Popular tours and experiences fill up, especially in peak season. Don’t wait until you arrive.
Greeks eat late. Dinner at 9PM is normal.
Restaurants don’t get busy until well after 8PM, so embrace the slower pace of the evening.
Local wine is great and cheap. Ask for house wine.
Tavernas often serve excellent local wine by the liter at very low prices. No need to splurge on bottles.
Relax—things move slower here. That’s the point.
Delays happen, plans change, and time stretches… go with the flow and enjoy the laid-back lifestyle.
