Many people find Greece which is officially known as the Hellenic Republic to be the ideal holiday destination. In addition to being the home of democracy, it also offers some of the highest standards for hospitality in the world. Traveling there, though, could be challenging, particularly if you are not familiar with the traditions and way of life of the locals. A travel guide to Greece is essential to help you navigate different vacation locations and make the most of your vacation.
The Greek isle is home to some of the world’s most stunning islands and sunniest locales. Greece has magnificent coastlines and is mostly made up of mountains.
With the aid of this travel guide to Greece, you’ll be better able to comprehend the country’s attractions and choose wisely which ones to visit. While you’re in Athens, you may explore some amazing islands like Mykonos, Corfu, and Santorini, or you rent a scooter to tour island settlements that still practice their ancient customs.
When compared to European fortresses with fully rough walls constructed from dry-stone masonry, Greece is really known for having a large number of historical attractions, such as fortifications made with stone from nearby quarries giving them stunning peaks. You definitely need a travel Guide to Greece to tour the country without any form of setback.
There are several important recommendations in this travel tips to Greece.
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This list of travel tips to Greece contains a number of significant recommendations and you should check it out alongside this travel guide to Greece.
In order to help you enjoy your trip and have the greatest time touring the Islands in Athens and other stunning spots in the country, we have put together the most complete travel guide to Greece in this article.
Consider international travel tips and travel tips when traveling with toddlers to help evaluate your overall travel experience.
Some FAQ:
When is the Best Time to Travel to Greece?
There are several things to take into consideration when it comes to the best time to visit Greece. This travel guide to Greece points to these things. First you should note that Greece weather is usually not constant and therefore open to changes every year, though they have a hot summer and other 4 seasons.
However they have notable months that one can visit and have maximum fun and also months that would not guarantee so much fun but then, this would depend on what kind of activities you hope to indulge in during your stay or the purpose for your travel.
Here are things to consider to know the best time to travel to Greece:
1. Activities
If you are out to explore the outdoors and engage in adventurous activities, then it would be best to avoid Greece in the summer which is July and August, depending on which month it falls in the year ( It is usually not that easy to predict). There is usually too much strong wind and I can assure you that this will ruin your outdoor fun like beach activities or mountain hikes.
For swimming, you should visit Greece in September and October as the temperature at this time is usually at its highest. Be sure to go with some sunscreen and stay hydrated. Check here for a list of travel essentials you should pack.
For a honeymoon, you should visit Greece in June for a more private moment as the islands are usually with fewer visitors this season. That will enable you to have some intimate moments at the pools and it is generally less expensive and less crowded! The weather too is sunny and warm for some outdoor activities at this time.
2. Weather
Generally, the best months to visit as I would recommend on this travel guide to Greece are April, May and June but autumn is also amazing for Greek destinations because most tourists tend to leave during the summer season which reduces the crowd in many venues.
And August is not the ideal time to visit because of the crowd at this time of the year. You should best avoid visiting Greece around this time and hotels are usually very pricey now.
September is my absolute favorite time to visit Greece for its perfect weather and I recommend it in this travel guide to Greece.
The winter which is usually months from November to April. They often have very cold nights though the weather can be quite unpredictable with unexpected snowfall. You may have as low as 0 degrees or as high as 25 degrees during the winter season in Greece! But the snowfall doesn’t usually last longer than 5 days.
What to do during winter? Get a heavy coat or blanket as it is not uncommon to have issues with the heating systems in the hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions due to the low electricity supply resulting in cold temperatures.
3. Budget
There are seasons in Greece that are quite expensive to visit because the turn up of tourists and visitors during this period is usually high. Almost all Greeks go on holidays to the islands during this period.
Hotels get very expensive and even hard to find good lodging for a premium vacation experience. It is best not to visit in July and August, or even September if you can’t afford the expenses of good island hotels, restaurants and attractions.
And oh, Santorini and Mykonos should be avoided because they are even more expensive than usual in this season.
What are the Best Places to Visit in Greece?
This travel guide to Greece also points the best places to visit in Greece and they include:
1. The Greek Islands
Greek islands are generally mild-tempered which makes them the preferred destination for most travelers. There is also an amazing variety of rarefied landscapes ranging from perfectly sculpted mountains to wild crags that are scattered into stunning bays with great beaches for sitting, chatting and observing nature.
You can even spot some caves along the coasts having impressive shapes like the Laconia Caves near Spartiatolimachi in western Greece where you will find wonderful ocean views on all your trips there.
The Greek islands are made up of quite a lot of individual smaller island communities. Within the group, there are minor variations in culture and architecture that make each location distinctive from all others. The most popular of the islands are Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete.
2. The ancient city of Athens
In truth, the city of Athens has a very unique atmosphere that gives you a strong impression. You can be mesmerized by its numerous museums and even enjoy performances at the Theater of Dionysos or have fun with local nightlife in clubs such as Apollonas where live music is the order of the day.
3. Delphi – journey to the centre of the earth
Delphi is often considered in ancient Greek as the centre of the earth. The archaeological site of Delphi is situated in the northern part of Greece and because it stands on the southern foot of Othrys mountain, travel to its centre can be challenging with boulder trails following narrow paths fit for ponies while hiking through mountains crowned by precipices makes crossing even more difficult.
4. Mount Olympus
Mount Olympus is popular for the panoramic view that it offers. Its peak is the place where every other thing looks smaller than itself. The busy ports are also suitable for basking in sunshine due to the large expanses of land surrounding them which make bright skies seem even brighter especially when you are far from a city covered by smog and haze.
Hydropolis has various unusual attractions like hanging gardens where spring water falling into a reservoir floats on water lilies giving an illusion of islands rising out of the water.
Other Things on the Travel Guide to Greece to Note
1. Greece Covid-19 guides
With covid-19 defining new sets of travel regulations for different countries, Greece is not an exception. In order to stay safe throughout your stay, it is recommended to:
- Get vaccinated before your departure
- Avoid public and crowded places if you have not been vaccinated
- Always use your face mask and personal hand sanitizer
- Frequent washing of hands
- Get acquainted with important travel tips during covid-19
2. Transportation
The Greek transportation system is first-rate. The bus and train are the most effective modes of transportation in Greece. Free Wi-Fi is available on some buses while you are riding; this allows you to access any operational updates, such as seat assignments, reached destinations, and other services that improve travel ease like some travel guide to Greece.
Ensure your tickets on public transports are time stamped for it to be valid
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Greek airline tickets must be purchased in advance since, despite having made previous reservations, delays on flights from Europe to Athens during the holiday season can leave passengers detained until days before departure. Visit trips.com to view the current flight schedule!
3. Bookings and Accommodation
Greece has some wonderful hotels that you simply cannot find anywhere else. To make sure clients have a positive experience, they keep in mind passengers’ comfort while they are there.
However, be sure to go through a list of hotels or other types of accommodation like hostels, rentals, or Airbnb that would be suitable for your budget while also taking into consideration proximity to your point of attraction/where you are looking to have fun on your visit.
For maximum enjoyment of your visit, on this travel guide to Greece, I recommend checking out available hotels and accommodations here!
4. Food and Restaurants
This travel guide to Greece will help you organize your itinerary with tips on Greek islands and specific suggestions of which restaurants to visit.
The Greek cuisine is authentic and not just an imitation from places like Italy or France but actually many dishes such as Fakiha Souvlakia (Pork leg) that is usually served for guests during Ramadan in Maroussi Relais Kolonaki, Acharakuza grilled pork neck in Kessariani beach cellars keeping their traditional recipes since 1965.
There are also craft beers in Athens they started brewing gyros right after World War II because it is still desired for its plant-based meat flavors.
You shouldn’t hesitate to try out the delicious Greek dishes but be sure to ask questions and gain clarity to avoid eating what would give you a stomach upset or other form of health implication
5. Cultural Activities and Beliefs
The Greeks are a people who are vested in their culture. They have significant days of celebration which include: Name Days, Engagement Carnival (in which a groom engages the family of his bride before engaging her), the Ohi Day and some superstitious beliefs such as “The Evil eye.”
The majority of the Greeks coin their name after a saint, they believe the power on the saints will be transferred onto them.
6. Lifestyle of the people
The lifestyle of the Greeks is centered around family and social life. Unlike western standards of privacy, such as in the separation between public and private spaces (such as washrooms) or home curtains.
Greeks will traditionally engage anyone they know intimately at all times with their friend. All these and not discriminating gender differences is probably one of the reasons why Greece is recognized by United Nations Organization for Peace and Development that no greater value can be found than through trust and friendship throughout society.
7. Religious Beliefs
The locals in Greece are mostly Orthodox Christian. Mystra, Athene and Helios are famous deities of Greek mythology according to historical evidence of Ancient Greece.
The Aegean islands were once heavily influenced by ancient civilizations which are reflected in religious practices present today with thousands of Pilgrims visiting particularly holy land on every Easter Sunday following St Paul who was born there before becoming known as Apostle. Melissa claimed holy spirits even come out with people finding miracle healings done during Eucharistic celebrations.
8. Security
Greece has high security, there are rarely any violent demonstrations, and their government ensures peace and stability.
They also have a low crime rate level. Individual protection is necessary and as such visitors are advised to avoid taking pictures around sensitive places such as the military base, locking of cars and leaving important documents in the hotels is not encouraged in the case of petty thieves and pickpockets.
9. Healthcare
The mainland has better healthcare facilities than the islands. You may find the standard of healthcare service a little below what is obtainable in your country or other countries in Europe and America.
It is advisable to always pack your medications alongside your other trip essentials. Greece Law permits visitors to carry a maximum of 2 boxes of 5 different prescribed medicines for personal use.
Emergency ambulances are available and if you need their services and assistance just dial 112 or 116 and an ambulance will be there to attend to you.
For cold and respiratory distresses, it is advised to sort out a service of a private doctor or healthcare provider which your hotel will recommend to you, instead of visiting the public hospital.
10. Licenses and Documents
Always go with your ID cards and other means of identification to any place you visit. As for driving licenses and permits, check here for a list of countries whose license is valid in Greece and further information on what’s obtainable in the country for visitors whose country’s driving papers are not valid in the country.
11. Sensitive Locations
Some of the places regarded as sensitive locations are military zones/installations, and certain borders. Though these places or things can be visited and accessed, photos and videos are not allowed in these areas considered as military sensitive locations. Disobedience or violation of these rules will lead to arrest and prosecution.
12. Migration
Greece has recorded a higher rate and number of migrants on the Greek Islands and entire country. Some these are illegal whose final destination may likely not be Greece but other European countries while a number of them may also be terrorist. It is best to stay vigilant when in the country.
To stay or work in Greece beyond just visiting the country, check with the Greek Embassy in your country for the requirements.
13. Demonstrations
You may encounter demonstrations at areas like Central Athens especially at Syntagma Square but these are usually not done often. Some of these demonstrations, though usually peaceful, happen at the shortest notice and so you may not get the news beforehand. It is best to stay away and avoid groups or arrears where the actions are being carried out.
Just like demonstrations, road closures in Greece may come with short notice or none at all.
14. Drugs and Alcohol
Smoking in indoor public places in Greece is illegal. Drugs of any kind including class C drugs are prohibited in the country. If any is found in your possession, you are sure to serve a very long jail term.
Drinking while driving could lead to arrest and a jail term. Sales of nitrous oxide or purchase of the same will lead to a fine and even jail term.
15. LGBT and Sexual Relations
Same-sex affairs are legal in Greece and union of same-sex legalised since 2015. Transgender people can change theirr legal gender and anti-hate speech/discrimination laws apply very well in Greece.
However, though pulic display of afections are seen as no big deal, these reactions vary according to locales and especially affections by same-sex couples might be frowned upon in rural areas.
Generally, the cities are quite receptive and so are many Greek Islands.
The age of consent is 15 and same as that of partners of opposite sex relations.
16. Politics
Greece practices a parliamentary democracy that has been in stable state since the 1970s. Their government and economic state of affairs are in good condition.
17. Ownership of Weapons
Items like pepper-spray or knives with long blades of 10cm and above, guns and knuckle dusters are considered offensive and fall under the list of weapons in Greece. They all require a special license to carry them about or you would be slammed with legal charges and arrest by the police. If you need to own and keep them in your possession, you must get a license from the local police authority.
18. Decency
Though a hospitable and free country, certain indecent behaviors are not acceptable in Greece and could lead to a jail term if caught in the act. Some outfits considered fancy may be found offensive in the country and against their decency laws. That is why it is advised to carefully study the travel guide to Greece before packing for the trip to Greece.
19. Geography
It is best to know who surrounds the country you are visiting. Greece comprises about 32 square kilometers and shares borders with countries like Turkey, Albania, the Republic of Macedonia, and Bulgaria.
The country also has 18 Heritage sites recognised by UNESCO World Heritage. The beauty of Greece is unmatched as 80% of the country is made up of mountains.
20. Other Basic Facts about Greece
In this travel guide to Greece, here are fun facts you should know for a better knowledge of the country you plan to visit:
- The official currency is Euro (EUR).
- The official language Greek is spoken by 99% of the population.
- There are thousands of Islands and islets in Greece
- Only 200 of the thousands of islands in Greece are inhabited.
- There is no part of the country that is up to 137 kilometers far from the ocean
- The tourists that visit Greece every year are usually more than the entire Greek population.
- It is one of the countries in the world with a lot of sunshine.
Conclusion
A travel guide to Greece is just what it sounds like, a guide to the country written for tourists. To give you an idea of how complicated traveling in Greece is, relevant information on the locals and their lifestyle, the best places to visit and how to stay safe in Greece are provided in this travel guide to Greece. This travel guide provides a recommendation of some of the best places to visit in Greece and the best activities to keep you entertained.
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