Summer in Greece: Cultural Norms, Tourist Traps, and Preparations

Everyone asks me: “What should we know when traveling to Greece?” Well first of all, let’s all agree that you’re going to love Greece, no matter where you go or what you do. What can really make a difference is being aware of the tourist traps, understanding the cultural norms, and how to best prepare. So, let’s take a look…

Packing – When packing for your trip, I have a few suggestions:

1. Make sure you have an adapter. I really like Tumi’s international adapter, because you can use it in any country, and it has a plug-in and four USB spots.

2. No need to pack sunscreen or aloe. In Greece, get Carroten sunscreen, Korres After Sun for burns, and for my ladies, I am obsessed with FreezyDerm’s tinted face sunscreen! Get everything listed at any pharmacy.

3. Also, no need to pack over-the-counter medicine. At Greek pharmacies, you’ll ask for Algofren if you need IbuProfen, Depon if you need Acetaminophen, and Kestine if you need an antihistamine.

4. Ladies! If you’re going to the islands, be aware of the rocky roads! High heels are difficult to walk in on the old, uneven roads that you’ll be on recommend comfortable shoes and wedges if you’re looking to dress up.

Documents – You'll hear different advice regarding what documents you should have on you. What I recommend is having your passport somewhere safe in your suitcase once you arrive, taking a quality picture or scan of your passport and emailing it to yourself in advance (this way, if you lose your passport and phone, you'll still be able to have it handy), and keep some form of ID like a driver's license on you at all times.

Restaurants – When choosing a restaurant in a popular Greek location (i.e., Athens, Mykonos), you’ll surely pass a whole row of tavernas where an employee is trying to coerce you to come inside. Sometimes these restaurants are not bad, but more often than not, a good quality restaurant doesn’t feel the need to force tourists inside.

Tipping – Standard tipping in Greece is: 5% (or change) at cafés, 5-10% at tavernas, and 10-15% at high end restaurants. Greek servers have a salary relative to other Greek employees, unlike other countries such as the U.S., where servers are often dependent on tips.

Mykonos – Two key tips!!!

1. Driving: There are like 50 taxis on the entire island. That is not an exaggeration. If you are staying outside of the downtown area, check and see if your hotel has a driving service. That way, they can take you into the town, and you can call them to pick you up as well. Otherwise, you can wait over an hour at the taxi stand during peak season. If you’re comfortable with off-road driving, I recommend renting a car.

2. Service: Generally, the service isn’t great. Everything is expensive, but you are paying for the name. When choosing a hotel, I have found that the best service has been at small boutique hotels, where they care more about recommendations and reviews than larger hotels that are usually pretty snobby.

Religion – Greeks are generally religious. Well, more of the older generation at this point, but you know what I mean. Greek Orthodoxy is the dominant religion, and I advise you check out if there will be any holidays while you’re visiting. If so, the islands will likely be busier those particular days, as young Greeks use those days off in the summer to get away. Also, the church services are cool to check out, but please keep in mind you may not receive Communion if you were not baptized in an Eastern Orthodox church.

Athens “Crime” – Greece is without a doubt the safest place I’ve ever been. I walk home alone late at night in Athens without fear, which I am very grateful for. There are two key tips I give regarding Athens:

1. Avoid the neighborhood Omonoia, where most of Athens’ “crime” exists: drugs, brothels, etc. While I have walked there during the daytime if necessary, I don’t often have reason to go there. The surrounding areas at night I also generally avoid, and if I go for dinner, I take a taxi.

2. Pickpocketing in very common, especially among tourists in Monastiraki and other downtown spots during peak season. Make sure your purse zips and wear your bags in front of your body if you are walking through large crowds.

To be honest, I think you’re ready!