16 things to know before traveling to Greece

Your next destination is Greece? Let’s us tell you about 16 things you should know before your trip to make it more enjoyable

Greece, the place of old myths and dazzling scenes, is a nation that captivates the hearts of visitors from all around the world. Found within the south part of Europe, Greece is encompassed by the Aegean and Ionian Oceans, making it a culminating goal for beach admirers and ocean devotees. With its wealthy history, dynamic culture, and tasty cooking, Greece offers a special and unforgettable travel experience for everyone.

As a well known visitors’ goal, Greece has a lot to offer to visitors. From the famous Acropolis in Athens to the white-washed buildings and crystal-clear waters of the Greek islands, there’s something for everybody in this wonderful nation. Whether you’re fascinated by history, prehistoric studies, or essentially looking to unwind on the shoreline, Greece has it all. With more than 6,000 islands and islets, each with its own charm and character, you’ll be able to spend a lifetime experience investigating the excellence of Greece.

So, why should you visit Greece? Greece is a nation that can fulfill all your travel desires. In this article, we’ll share with you the critical things you wish to know some time recently before traveling to Greece, so you’ll make the most out of your trip and appreciate all that this radiant nation will offer you.

1. Visa requirements

It’s basic to check the visa necessities before traveling to Greece. Depending on your nationality, you will require a visa to enter Greece or maybe not. In case you require a visa, it’s pivotal to apply for it earlier to get more time to arrange and plan your trip accordingly. Applying for a visa can take time, and not having the correct documentation might result in your passage being denied at the border. In expansion, a few nations may have diverse visa prerequisites for diverse sorts of visits, such as tourism, or commerce. Checking with the Greek embassy or consulate in your nation can guarantee you have got the proper visa and avoid any complications when entering Greece. For more information you can visit www.mfa.gr/en/visas

2. Best time to visit Greece

The best months to travel to Greece are likely April through June and September through October, when the weather is moderate and there are less tourists. Greece incorporates a Mediterranean climate, with hot and dry summers and mild winters. The crest visitor season is amid the summer months of July and August when temperatures can be high and the crowds can be overpowering. Traveling amid the bear season can be more comfortable and less crowded, making it simpler to see the prevalent tourist areas and appreciate the natural excellence of Greece. In addition to all of that, traveling amid the low season can also result in lower costs for flights, housing, and activities.

To find info about climate in Greece see https://www.visitgreece.gr/before-travelling-to-greece/climate/

3. The language in Greece

In Greece, local people speak Greek as an official language, but English is broadly spoken, particularly in tourist zones. Whereas it’s continuously advisable to memorize a few fundamental Greek expressions, such as hi (yassou) and thank you (efharisto), it isn’t vital to be familiar with Greek to travel to Greece.

Most visited regions and prevalent attractions have signs and data also in English. Even so, it’s imperative to note that not all Greeks talk in English, particularly in surrounding regions. Furthermore, communicating in English may be more difficult in less populous areas. It’s continuously better to have a mobile app that will help you in case of communication challenges.

4. The currency in Greece

The official currency of Greece is the Euro (EUR),  it’s advisable to know this before traveling to Greece, that will absolutely help you to plan accordingly and guarantee simply having sufficient Euros to cover your costs whereas in Greece. It may be a great idea to exchange your money before leaving your country, otherwise you can do the exchange using ATMs in Greece or in banks if you are carrying cash on your currency. It’s also fundamental to check together with your bank in advance to guarantee that your charge or credit cards will work in Greece and to declare that you are going to travel so they can activate your credit card internationally. 

5. The transportation system in Greece

Greece has a broad open transportation framework that incorporates buses, trains, and ships, making it generally simple to go around the nation. Public transportation is the most used in Greece and it’s a great way to investigate the distinctive places without spending too much money. In expansion, taxis are moreover broadly available, and they can be a helpful way to drive around cities or towns in case you want to explore many places in less time. In any case, it’s basic to be mindful of any potential tricks with taxis and to guarantee simply only use authorized taxis. The choice of the plane for travelling to a Greek city or one of the islands offers a comfortable, safe and speedy trip.

Here you can find info about train and bus in Greece: https://www.hellenictrain.gr/en

For Athens International Airport (ATH) see https://www.aia.gr/traveler/

Other international Airports:

• Alexandroupolis (AXD)
• Chania (CHQ)
• Corfu (CFU)
• Herakleion (HER)
• Kavala (KVA)
• Kalamata (KLX)
• Kefalonia (EFL)
• Kos (KSG)
• Lesvos (MJT)
• Lemnos (LXS)
• Thessaloniki (SKG)
• Rhodes (RHO)
• Samos (SMI)
• Zante (Zakynthos) (ZTH)

6. The accommodation in Greece

Greece offers a wide extent of settlement choices, from budget lodgings to extravagance lodgings and estates. It’s fundamental to arrange your accommodation in advance, particularly amid the top visitor season when everyone needs accommodation. You’ll book your suitable place through travel websites, such as Booking.com or Airbnb, otherwise you can book directly after choosing a hotel or an apartment. It’s imperative  to examine and check the area and conveniences of your settlement to guarantee that it meets your needs. In expansion, it’s essential to be mindful of the check-in and check-out times and any extra expenses, such as traveler charges and all.

7. Food and drink in Greece

Knowing something about Greek cooking and local luxuries is a fundamental thing of any trip to Greece. Greek food is known for its fresh, sound fixings and strong flavors. Greek cuisine such as moussaka, souvlaki, and tzatziki are popular all over the world and can be found in most restaurants. But, it’s additionally basic to make sure to try lesser-known dishes such as dolmades, spanakopita, and fava. Greek wines are also celebrated, and it may be a must-try whereas in Greece. Greek wine is known for its interesting flavor and is created from innate grape assortments. Ouzo is additionally a prevalent drink in Greece, which is an anise-flavored alcohol.

8. Health and safety in Greece

Greece is for the most part a secure nation to travel to, but it’s continuously basic to require essential security safeguards to avoid any issues and problems. Be beyond any doubt to keep your resources safe and dodge dark ranges at night. It’s additionally better to investigate the range you’ll be remaining in and be mindful of any potential security concerns. It’s also important to have travel insurance before your trip to Greece because travel insurance can cover any therapeutic costs or other issues which will emerge whereas you’re in Greece. 

Emergency  Numbers:

• EUROPEAN EMERGENCY NUMBER: 112
• FIRE AUTHORITY: 199
• FIRST AID NATIONAL CENTER (Ambulances): 166
• SOS DOCTORS : 1016
• PET HOSPITAL: 210 6038023- 24 -28 (Attica Region)
• POISONING PHONE CENTER: 210 77 93 777
• POLICE: 100
• FIRE AUTHORITY: 199
• TOURIST POLICE: 1571.

9. Electricity system in Greece

Understanding the Electricity framework in Greece is basic, particularly if you’re carrying with you electronic devices that require charging like phone, laptop and all. Greece employs the European standard voltage of 220-240 volts, which is different from the voltage used in a few other nations. It’s vital to guarantee that your electronic gadgets are consistent with this voltage before traveling to Greece. In case your gadget isn’t consistent, you may have to bring a voltage converter or a plug connector to guarantee that it can be charged without any bad consequences. 

10. Customs and etiquette in Greece

Greece is a country with an affluent history and culture, and it’s crucial to be mindful of their conventions and behaviors. Greeks are popular for their hospitality, and it’s customary for them to welcome visitors into their homes. It’s considered discourteous to deny a welcome to someone’s home, so it’s better to accept  thoughtfully in case you are welcomed by someone in Greece. Greeks also esteem personal relationships. It’s also vital to note that Greeks are expressive and they use their body language when talking.

11. Tipping in Greece

Tipping isn’t required in Greece, but it’s acknowledged for great benefit, particularly in restaurants and cafés. The standard tip in Greece is around 10% of the total charge, and it’s as a rule cleared out in cash. It’s better to note that some restaurants may incorporate a benefit charge within the charge, so it’s basic to check after tipping. Tipping is additionally used for other services such as beauticians, taxi drivers, and inn staff.

12. Dress code in devout places

Greece is a traditionalist nation, and it’s imperative to dress fittingly, particularly when going by devout destinations. When going by churches, cloisters, or mosques, it’s standard to dress fittingly and cover your shoulders and knees. Uncovering clothing is not suitable in these places, and you may be asked to cover up before entering. It’s additionally critical to dress suitably when going by eateries and other open places, particularly in littler towns. You ought to avoid wearing beachwear or uncovering clothing in these places.

13. Beaches in Greece

Greece is known for its astonishing and breathtaking shorelines, but it’s critical to note that numerous of them are pebbly or rough. This implies that you ought to bring fitting footwear, such as water shoes, to avoid injuring your feet. It’s additionally vital to bring a shoreline towel, as numerous shorelines don’t have sunbeds or umbrellas. You ought to moreover note that a few shorelines may have restricted offices, so it’s fundamental to bring a bounty of water and snacks if needed.

See the article about the 15 most beautiful beaches in Greece here.

14. Museums and archeological sites in Greece

Greece is home to a few of the most imperative authentic and archeological regions within the world, counting the Acropolis, Delphi, and the antiquated city of Olympia. These destinations are frequently spread out and require a parcel of strolling, so it’s imperative to bring comfortable strolling shoes. You ought to moreover bring sunscreen, as numerous of these places are found in open regions with small shade. It’s also better to bring a cap and shades to protect yourself from the sun. Also, you have to note that numerous archeological spots and regions have limitations on photography, so it’s better to check the rules before taking any photos.

Click here for info about Greek Archaeological Museums: https://archaeologicalmuseums.gr/en

Info about free admission museums owned by the State: https://www.culture.gov.gr

15. Island hopping in Greece

Greece has over 6,000 islands, making island bouncing a well known movement for visitors. So, it’s imperative to arrange in advance and book ship tickets early, particularly amid crest season. A few islands are available by ship, so it’s basic to check the ship plans and arrange in a similar manner. You have also to note that a few islands may have constrained offices, so it’s fundamental to bring sufficient cash with you, as well as water and snacks. At last, you ought to note that a few islands may have more diverse traditions and behavior, so I advise you to inquire about the islands’ culture some time before visiting.

Here you can check the info about the islands to visit in Greece: https://www.visitgreece.gr/

16. Bargaining

Bargaining is an imperative social perspective to consider when traveling to Greece. In Greece, the cost of products and services is ordinarily settled, and haggling isn’t anticipated or considered neighborly in most cases. In any case, in a few markets, bartering is more common, and vendors may be willing to arrange prices.

It’s imperative to be beyond any doubt that in the event that you do choose to bargain, you ought to continuously be respectful and conscious, and not thrust as well. This can be particularly genuine in Greece. 

In conclusion, knowing the vital things to consider before traveling to any nation can make your trip much more agreeable and stress-free. From visa prerequisites to traditions and behavior, Greece is no special case to this run the show. By taking the time to know something about these imperative things, you’ll ensure that your trip to Greece is extraordinary for all the correct reasons.

Greece is a country that has something to offer for each kind of traveler. From its shocking shorelines to its wealthy history and culture, Greece may be a goal that ought to be at the top of each traveler’s list. Whether you want to explore antiquated ruins, unwind on the shoreline, or enjoy delightful Greek food, Greece has it all.