My Top 20 Greece Travel Tips (What I’ve Learned from 8 Trips)

My name is Anne O’Neill, former writer, editor, and researcher for Santorini Dave. Over the course of many Greece trips throughout the decade that I worked with SD, I was lucky enough to gain a bit of an insider’s knowledge of Greek travel. Here are the top tips I give to friends and family about traveling to Greece.

My Top 20 Greece Travel Tips

1. Think beyond the islands – Not everyone is an “island person,” and if your idea of an ideal Greek vacation is more cultural and less beachy, you should consider the mainland and Peloponnese. My favorite places to travel in Greece that aren’t islands are Nafplio, Meteora, Delphi, and Monemvasia – which is technically an island, but reachable via car.

2. If traveling to the islands, research and book ferries in advance using Ferryhopper. Ferries do sell out in advance, and it’s nice to not have to worry about finding a ticket office while you’re on your trip. Ferryhopper has a handy app that makes it easy to book and reschedule as needed, and they will contact you in the event of cancellation.

3. Allow ample time in Athens. There is so much to see and do here, and it can seem overwhelming if you feel short on time. If this is your first trip to Greece, allow at least two full days to explore the city. Of course you should see the Acropolis and its amazing museum, but it’s a shame to leave the city without exploring other important sites (like the Ancient Agora) and museums: world-class ones like the Archaeological and Benaki Museums – but also smaller museums like Callas Museum.

4. Do not book any travel in Greece over May 1: no ferries, no domestic flights, no buses. There is a country-wide transit strike on this day every year. If traveling over May 1st, plan to stay put and enjoy the area around your hotel that day, as even the Metro in Athens will be closed. If you do need to travel to or from the airport, taxis are usually available – but may be in short supply.

5. Toilet paper should not be flushed anywhere in Greece – even if there’s no sign telling you so. Even in larger cities, the pipes are too small to handle toilet paper, which is disposed of in a small, covered waste bin next to the toilet. I have never stayed at a Greek hotel in which this bin wasn’t cleaned at least twice a day, but still – bring pet waste bags if this grosses you out.

6. Learn a little bit of Greek before you go – basic niceties like “Good morning/evening”, “thank you,” “please,” and “hi/bye.” The vast majority of people you will encounter will speak at least some English, but they will really appreciate your effort.

7. Don’t be afraid to drive in Greece. Except on the smallest islands, the roads are in good repair, and signage is generally clear and both in Greek/English. You no longer need an IDP to drive in Greece, but it’s a good idea to have one anyway, and they’re easy to get in advance.

8. If you’ll be driving, rent your car in advance, especially if you require an automatic transmission. Rent the smallest car you are comfortable with. While the roads are good, they can be narrow around small villages, and parking can be tight.

9. Avoid traveling to Greece in the height of summer and the dead of winter – its rocky landscapes positively bake in the sun, and much is closed down from November to April. Travel season generally opens up at Orthodox Easter.

10. Consider traveling over Orthodox Easter – or don’t. It can be a beautiful cultural experience (remember to be respectful – see tip 11), or feel like a disappointment due to the lack of focus on tourist-focused business. Either way, check the calendar in advance and know what you’re getting into. Greece is a highly religious country, and Easter is the most important holiday. Many Greeks, even non-practicing, head back to their family home villages to celebrate. Travel may be congested, more expensive, and difficult to book.

11. Be respectful at religious sites. Follow the dress code and do not take photographs during ceremonies/worship.

12. Skip the touristy souvenirs for locally handmade goods and treats. Every town has its shop that sell bottle openers, mati keychains, and cheap t-shirts. These are generally made elsewhere and don’t have much connection to the local culture. Find a shop selling locally-made goods – ask your hotel concierge for suggestions.

13. Don’t overschedule yourself. Allow ample time in your schedule for leisurely meals and don’t rush – the restaurant won’t. Expect to have to get your waiter’s attention and ask for the bill at the end of the meal. A large part of the experience is immersing yourself in the unhurried culture – sightsee in the morning and take siesta in the afternoon. This is where pre-booking ferries and buses can be a benefit; use the time before your trip to do this so you don’t have to worry about it while you’re there.

14. Expect many small village shops and businesses to be closed in the summer afternoons, but open late into the evening. Most workers take a siesta during the hottest part of the day, and it can be considered rude to initiate business during these hours – generally 2 to 5 pm or so. Do as the locals do, and park yourself at a shady cafe and while away an hour or two.

15. Know that many pools in Greece are not heated, so may be too cold for swimming in early/late season. If traveling in April or early May and swimming is part of your plan, ensure your hotel pool is heated. The sea is generally swimmable from later May into October, after heating up in the summer months.

16. Most places will take credit cards, but carry some cash in case. Pay and get cash in Euros.

17. Most Greek hotels – even the small family run ones – will provide a great breakfast spread, but if not, there’s usually a great bakery around, and Greek bakery breakfasts are amazing. Get the bougatsa. I still think about the oven-warm bougatsa, eaten overlooking the sea from a bakery in Monemvasia.

18. Travel as light as possible. You may be schlepping your luggage around cobblestone streets and up and down lots of stairs. And leave those cute high heels at home – even for going out in the evening, the rough cobblestones can be treacherous, especially after a glass or two of wine.

19. Do a cooking class. You’ll eat so much good food over the course of your trip – the ultimate souvenir is the knowledge to recreate some of it at home. Plus it’s a great way to get to meet some friendly locals and fellow travelers, and to learn about Greek culture and cuisine.

20. Don’t be afraid to take the bus. The Greek bus system is safe, comfortable, and generally very reliable. I have used buses to get from my hotel to dinner on Santorini, but also from Athens to Delphi on the mainland.