10 things to know before deciding to Visit Greece
Are you anxious to visit Greece? Then, check out our unique tips for a perfect journey! From the beachy island getaway or an Athens (or perhaps Thessaloniki) city break that blends sightseeing by day with ouzo gulping by night, this region has everything for your classic holiday.
Greece is a beautiful country with over two thousand islands throughout the Aegean and Ionian seas. The capital city is Athens. As of 2020, the country has a population of around 10.72 million. In this article, we will talk about ten things to know before deciding to visit Greece to make the most of your experiences in Greece.
About Greece
Greece is a country located in the southeastern part of Europe. The capital city is Athens, and also the largest city. Greece is famous for having the longest coastline in the Mediterranean Basin. The official language is Greek.
Additionally, Greece has a rich historical legacy. It is known as the cradle of western civilization and the birthplace of democracy. The country is bordered from the west to the east by Albania, the Republic of North Macedonia, Bulgaria, and Turkey.
Also, Greece is perfect for tourists who want to experience Greek art and culture. The people enjoy being outdoors during the hot summers. Is Greece worth visiting? Yes, there are many cultural heritages to see and enjoy in Greece.
Ten things to know before deciding to Visit Greece
Visiting Greece with its extraordinary cultural heritage and artistic life can be an incredible experience. Listed below are ten things to know before deciding to visit:
♯1. Don’t focus too much on the Acropolis in Athens
When you land in Athens, you don’t want to focus on only the Acropolis. It will be like making a trip to the US and focusing on the Liberty statue – don’t do it. Then act normally like the Athenians and enjoy the views of the sacred rock from any rooftop bars and restaurants in the neighborhood.
You can also watch the amazing views of the whole of Athens from the top of Mount Lycavittos. It is advisable to avoid the tourist crowds marching up to the Parthenon. Alternatively, check the arguably more evocative ruins at the foot of the Acropolis in the ancient agora area.
♯2. Respect and Sensitivity
The dominant religion in Greece is orthodox, and it controls their daily life. It’s evident through their beautiful and ostentatious churches. Suppose you’re going to a beach; there’s a high probability you’ll find a small church. You can show respect while exploring by wearing a scarf to cover your arms and legs. If you want to visit Greece from the US and visit the church, you can ditch your skimpy shorts and tops; Churches won’t appreciate it.
♯3. Don’t limit yourself to gyro
As a tourist, you can’t limit yourself to feasting on gyro only. We understand that original Greek gyros are delectable, but you should explore other Greek gastronomy. You can try Greek breakfast staple meals such as strapatsada. It’s a delicious meal made from scrambled eggs, feta cheese, fresh tomato sauce, and a dash of olive oil. If you want to taste the best seafood, dodge the touristy tavernas around the Plaka and visit Piraeus. The seafood there is cheaper, fresher, and comes with sea views.
♯4. Find your nearest laiki
It’s a general saying in Greece that the spirit of ancient Greece lives on in the weekly laiki, or outdoor fruit, and the vegetable market. The vegetable market occurs every Friday throughout the whole year. By visiting the laiki, you’ll have the chance to get an eyeful taste of nature’s bounty that makes Greece famous. Laiki is present in every neighborhood in Athens, and you can find one of the best in Pagrati.
♯5. Greece isn’t just for the summer months
Do you think about the best time to visit Greece in 2023? Then you should know that summer is not the only suitable time. The Greek myth is that many islands are strictly for summertime escapes, but it’s wrong. You can visit little islands surrounding Athens such as Hydra and Spetses during winter. Can we visit Greece in December? Sure, you can. Are you looking for the best island to visit in Greece in October? Visit the islands in Crete to enjoy plenty of cultural attractions and historic sites throughout the year.
♯6. Explore the mainland
If you want to tour Greece 2023, you shouldn’t limit yourself to only Athens and the islands. Greece is more than that! Check out Attica, the home of ancient binding sites, from Marathon to Cape Sounio and the Temple of Poseidon. You can also explore the city of Nafplion, Greece’s first capital. It features cobbled streets, grand mansions, and large squares. Within 2 hours, you would have enjoyed yourself and have a perfect trip from Athens.
♯7. Always have cash on you
Can US citizens visit Greece? Yes, the currency used in the country is the Euro (€). However, Greece still uses cash, unlike other European countries that have shifted to using credit cards and debit cards. Since you have to haggle prices with shop owners, especially the locals, preference for cash makes sense. Suppose you don’t have some money at any point; you can use the ATM. It’s, however, advisable to possess a Visa or Mastercard before visiting.
♯8. You should visit Greece during Easter
Are you debating whether to travel to Greece or Italy for Easter? It would help if you chose the former because the Greeks celebrate Easter more. Easter is like Christmas, unlike in other European countries. The Greek Orthodox Church uses the Easter week to organize all manner of feasts and public processions. It starts on Palm Sunday and is very colorful on islands such as Corfu.
♯9. Wait before crossing the road
Those who want to visit Greece from the US should be wary of the traffic light. Be cautious and wait five seconds before crossing a busy main road. The traffic light might show red that you’re allowed to move, but many cars seem to think it’s acceptable to ignore it. Since it’s rare for authorities to stop them, it’s best to wait before crossing the road.
♯10. Tipping a little is allowed
Based on research, more than half a million US tourists will visit Greece in the summer of 2023. Since people with travel to Greece US passport can enter Greece without a visa and stay for ninety days, they should know that tipping is not obligatory in Greece. Suppose you decide to tip at a tavern; it should be anywhere from five to fifteen percent of the final bill. It’s also essential not to overtip as Greek locals view it as insulting and showboating.
What is the best time to visit Greece in 2023?
The best time to visit Greece is during the late spring, summer, and early fall months. During these times, the weather is suitable, and every venue will open its doors. To enjoy Greece’s glorious summer weather, you should visit Greece from May to September.
Are you visiting Athens, Greece, in august? You’ll get to enjoy the blazing sunshine and clear blue skies too. However, if you visit Greece in July, it’s a prime summer destination because of the soaring temperatures.
What should I avoid in Greece?
You should avoid showing too much skin in Greece when visiting the church. Ask for the dress code and dress appropriately. Desist from wearing swimming suits and don’t rely only on credit cards. It will help if you refrain from doing the moutza. An insulting hand gesture entails extending every finger while thrusting the palm forward towards someone’s face. Lastly, try to avoid touching artifacts in museums and archaeological sites as much as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the COVID-19 restrictions in Greece?
Wondering if you can make unvaccinated travel to Greece from the US? Visitors don’t need to show any COVID-19 documentation to enter Greece. Additionally, it’s not compulsory to wear masks outdoors or indoors. You can also access restaurants, nightclubs, and cinemas because they’re now operating at 100% capacity.
Can you wear shorts in Greece?
Do you want to tour Greece 2023 in shorts? You can tour Greece in shorts unless you’re going to the churches of the monasteries. After that, it’ll be best to wear something loose and comfortable, especially if you visit Greece in June when temperatures reach 40 degrees Celsius.
What’s rude in Greece?
If you intend to mix with locals during your visit to Greece, you should avoid awkward situations. For example, you should avoid making a snarky comment on how Greeks tend to eat from the same plate; it’s offensive. Greeks like to use a lot of oil when cooking, thus refraining from complaining.
Conclusion
In conclusion, visiting Greece is an iconic and eye-catching experience you shouldn’t miss. The country has a unique culture, and it’s more than meets the eye. There are many islands to explore, and you shouldn’t avoid the mainland too. However, you don’t need to use the whole day snapping selfies at the Acropolis and try to stay clear of the peak crowed months. So what’s next? Book your trip now!
