18+ Essential Greece Travel Tips for First-Timers
If like me, the idea of Greece is less a destination and more a feeling. I’d been dreaming of those whitewashed villages and blue waters for years. My first trip was incredible, but I definitely made a few rookie mistakes – like assuming everywhere took credit cards (oops!) and trying to cram five islands into seven days. It was a learning experience, to say the least.
I’ve been back many times since, and I’ve learned a thing or two. I’ve put together all the things I wish I knew sooner, so your first Greek adventure is less about the small stresses and all about the magic. Let’s be honest, we all want a seamless holiday. You’ve come to the right place; we don’t gatekeep around here! Let’s dive into making your dream trip a reality. 🇬🇷
When is the Best Time to Visit Greece?
You might be picturing a sweltering summer holiday (and it is for the most part), but let’s simplify this. The best time to visit really depends on what you’re looking for.
Peak Season (July-August): Expect brilliant sunshine, bustling beaches, and a vibrant atmosphere. It’s also the hottest, most crowded, and most expensive time. If you love a lively scene and don’t mind the heat, this is for you.
Shoulder Season (April-June & September-October): This is the sweet spot. I personally think this is the best time to go. The weather is gorgeous, the sea is warm enough for swimming, and the crowds are much thinner. You’ll find better deals on flights and accommodation.
Off-Season (November-March): Many tourist-focused spots, especially on the islands, shut down. However, it’s a fantastic time to explore Athens and the mainland for a more local, budget-friendly experience.
✋🏼 Good to Know: One of the most unique times to visit is during Greek Orthodox Easter (usually in April or May). It’s the biggest celebration of the year! You’ll witness incredible processions, candlelit ceremonies, and massive family feasts. It’s a truly special cultural experience, just be aware that it gets very busy with locals travelling. ☀️
🗺️ Guide to Greece: 3 Days In Athens: Ancient Echoes & Modern Buzz
Flights from Trip.com (Best Value for Greece)
Don’t Try to Do It All
I see this mistake all the time with first-timers (I did this). You look at a map, and the islands seem so close together, right? It’s tempting to plan a trip that includes Athens, Mykonos, Santorini, Crete, and Corfu. I’m telling you now, please don’t. Travel between islands, while scenic, eats up a surprising amount of your day. A ferry ride plus checking in and out of hotels can easily consume 5-6 hours.
🔹 Tinker’s Tip: For a 7-10 day trip, stick to one island group. For example, explore the Cyclades by visiting two, or at most three, islands like Paros, Naxos, and Santorini. You’ll have a much more relaxing and immersive experience.
🗺️ Greece Related: Greek Island Hopping: Secrets of the Cyclades
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Booking Ferries for Greek Island Hopping
Speaking of islands, you’re going to become very familiar with the ferry system. It’s the lifeblood of Greece! Booking is straightforward, but here are a few things I wish I knew sooner.
Book in Advance: Especially for popular routes in summer, book your main ferry journeys at least a few weeks ahead. I use a site like Ferryhopper to compare routes and prices easily.
Fast vs. Slow: You’ll see options for high-speed catamarans and slower, conventional ferries. The fast ones are more expensive and can be a bit of a bumpy ride if the sea is choppy. The slow ones are cheaper, more stable, and often have open decks where you can sit outside and enjoy the view. ⛴️
Print Your Tickets: While e-tickets are becoming more common, many ferry companies still require you to pick up a physical ticket from a kiosk at the port. Always read the instructions on your booking confirmation carefully to avoid a last-minute panic.
🔹 Pro Tip: When you board the larger ferries, you’ll enter via the car deck. There are designated luggage racks here where you’re meant to leave your big suitcases. It can feel a bit like a free-for-all and slightly unnerving the first time, but it’s standard practice. Stow your big bag and then head upstairs with just a smaller day bag containing your valuables, book, and anything else you’ll need for the journey. 🎒 Your luggage will be perfectly safe down there.
Decoding Greek Accommodation: Finding Your Perfect Stay
Right, where are you going to rest your head? I’ve stayed in everything from a slick Athens hotel to a tiny room run by a yiayia (grandma) who insisted on feeding me pastries every morning. The options are wonderfully diverse.
Hotels are great and plentiful, but don’t overlook apartments or studios. Having a small kitchen and a fridge for cold drinks and breakfast supplies can be a game-changer and a real money-saver. And then there’s the Greek classic: the domatia. Think of it as Greece’s answer to a B&B or guesthouse, simple rooms, often family-run, which means you get that famous Greek hospitality, filoxenia, in spades.
You might be tempted to book a hotel right on the sand, but here’s a secret I wish I knew sooner: often, the best place to stay is in or near the island’s main town (the Chora). This is where you’ll find the best selection of restaurants, shops, and atmosphere in the evenings. It’s usually the main bus hub too, making it easy to explore the rest of the island’s beaches by day.
Use Booking.com to find your perfect Greek stay!
To Cash or to Card? The Great Greek Money Debate 💶
Here’s the deal: Greece runs on a delightful mix of modern and traditional. In Athens, big hotels, and swanky restaurants, your card is fine. But the second you wander off the beaten path, cash is absolutely king.
I had this moment in a tiny Cretan village where I tried to pay for the most incredible lunch with a card, and the lovely owner just chuckled and pointed to his ancient cash register. I had to do a mad dash to an ATM. Always, always have a good stash of Euros for family-run tavernas, bakeries, market stalls, and taxis. You’ll often get a warmer smile for it, too.
🔹Quick Tip: When you do need to take cash out from an ATM, keep an eye out for the bright blue and yellow ‘Euronet’ machines. While they are everywhere in tourist areas, they’re notorious for their high conversion rates and service fees (avoid at all costs). Your wallet will thank you if you stick to ATMs that are physically attached to an actual Greek bank, like the National Bank of Greece, Piraeus Bank, or Alpha Bank.
🗺️ Related Post: 10 Famous Greek Landmarks in Greece
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What to Pack: More Than Just a Swimsuit
Of course, you’ll pack your swimwear and sunglasses, but here are a few items you might not think of that will make your trip much smoother.
| Item | Why You Need It |
| Comfortable Shoes | You’ll be walking on ancient, uneven cobblestones. Leave the stilettos at home. |
| A Light Jacket/Scarf | Even in summer, evenings can get breezy, especially by the sea or on a ferry. |
| Reusable Water Bottle | Stay hydrated and reduce plastic waste. It’s a win-win. |
| European Plug Adaptor | Greece uses the Type F (Schuko) plug. Pack a couple! |
| Modest Clothing | For visiting monasteries and churches, you’ll need to cover your shoulders and knees. A light scarf works perfectly. |
🗺️ Related Must-read: How to Visit the Acropolis & Parthenon in Athens
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The Real Deal on Greek Food 🥙
Get ready to eat. And I mean, really eat. Greek food is so much more than the gyros and moussaka you might know from home. Each region has its own specialities. The secret is fresh, seasonal, local ingredients. Be adventurous!
Ask the taverna owner, “What is good today?” and they will proudly point you towards the freshest dish. Look for restaurants filled with locals, not just tourists. Order a variety of mezedes (small appetiser plates) to share. This is the best way to sample a bit of everything. I’m obsessed with fava (a yellow split pea dip) from Santorini and fresh horta (wild greens).
Tipping Etiquette: What You Need to Know
Tipping is not as ingrained in the culture as it is in the UK or US, but it’s certainly appreciated for good service. There aren’t strict rules, but here’s a general guide:
Restaurants/Tavernas: Service is often included. It’s customary to round up the bill or leave a few extra Euros on the table (about 5-10%).
Taxis: Just round up to the nearest Euro.
Hotel Staff: A small tip for the cleaner or porter is a nice gesture.
You’ll never be hassled for a tip, but it’s a kind way to show your thanks for a great experience.
The Art of Ordering a Coffee
Coffee in Greece is a serious ritual, and it’s not just about a quick caffeine hit. It’s a social event. You can’t just ask for “a coffee.” Here’s a quick guide to ordering like a local.
Freddo Espresso: The king of Greek summer. A shot of espresso shaken with ice until foamy, served cold. Strong and refreshing.
Freddo Cappuccino: The same as above, but topped with a cold, frothy milk foam. My personal favourite!
Frappé: The classic, made with instant coffee, water, and sugar, shaken into a frothy delight. It’s iconic!
Ellinikós Kafés (Greek Coffee): Brewed in a special pot called a briki, it’s strong and served with the grounds at the bottom. Don’t stir it!
You’ll be asked about sweetness: sketos (plain), metrios (medium sweet), or glykos (sweet).
Navigating Athens Like a Pro
First-time visitors often see Athens as just a gateway to the islands, but it’s a city that deserves a couple of days of your time. The historical centre is surprisingly compact and walkable. You can easily see the Acropolis, Plaka, and Monastiraki on foot. For longer distances, the metro is clean, efficient, and brilliant for getting from the airport to the city centre.
💡 Fact: The Athens metro is like a mini-museum! During its construction, they unearthed over 50,000 artefacts. Many stations, like Syntagma and Monastiraki, have displays showcasing these incredible finds.
Embrace ‘Greek Time’
This is a cultural tip that will save you a lot of stress. Things in Greece often run on what is affectionately known as ‘Greek time’. This doesn’t mean people are being rude; it’s just a more relaxed, laid-back approach to life. Buses might be a little late, a shop owner might be chatting with a friend for an extra five minutes, and your dinner might take a while to arrive.
My advice? Take a deep breath, order another drink, and enjoy the moment. You’re on holiday, after all! Rushing is not part of the local vocabulary. 😉
Driving in Greece: An Adventure in Itself
Renting a car in Greece, especially on larger islands like Crete or the mainland, gives you incredible freedom to explore hidden beaches and mountain villages. But you need to be prepared. Greek drivers are… assertive. Roads can be narrow and winding, especially outside of major cities.
If you’re a confident driver, go for it! Just take it slow, be hyper-aware of your surroundings (especially scooters), and always get full insurance coverage. You’ll also likely need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to your UK licence, so be sure to sort that out before you leave.
A Few Greek Words Go a Long Way
You absolutely don’t need to be fluent in Greek, as English is widely spoken in tourist areas. However, learning a few basic phrases shows respect and will be met with warm smiles. The locals genuinely appreciate the effort.
Here are a few easy ones to get you started:
| English | Greek (Phonetic) |
| Hello / Goodbye | Yia sas (formal) / Yia sou (informal) |
| Please / You’re Welcome | Parakaló |
| Thank You | Efcharistó |
| Yes / No | Ne / Óchi (Be careful, ‘ne’ sounds like ‘nay’!) |
| Excuse Me / Sorry | Signómi |
| Cheers! | Yia mas! |
Respecting Monasteries and Churches
Greece is dotted with stunningly beautiful, ancient monasteries and churches, many of which are open to visitors (like the famous ones in Meteora). These are active places of worship, and showing respect is paramount. This means dressing modestly. For both men and women, shoulders and knees must be covered.
Most monasteries will have shawls or wrap-around skirts available for visitors to borrow at the entrance, but it’s much nicer to come prepared with your own scarf or light long-sleeved top. It’s a small act of respect that goes a long way.
The Siesta is a Real Thing ☀️
In many parts of Greece, especially in smaller towns and on the islands, you’ll find that shops close in the afternoon for a few hours, typically from around 2 pm to 5 pm. This is the traditional siesta or afternoon rest, allowing people to escape the hottest part of the day.
Don’t get caught out needing to go to the chemist or a shop during these hours. Plan your errands for the morning or evening when things come back to life. This is another reason to embrace that ‘Greek time’ I mentioned earlier!
Staying Safe and Savvy
Greece is a very safe country for travellers. The primary concern is petty crime, like pickpocketing, in crowded tourist areas like the Athens Metro or busy markets. Just use common sense: keep your valuables secure, be aware of your surroundings, and don’t leave your phone sitting on an outdoor café table. Here’s what we found worked best: use a cross-body bag zipped up in front of you.
Check out my favourite post: Don’t Get Done! 20 Crafty Travel Scams and How to Dodge Them
Can You Drink the Tap Water?
This is a question you should always ask! In Athens and most major cities, the tap water is perfectly safe to drink. On many of the smaller islands, however, the water is not potable. It might be salty or just not treated to drinking standards. In these places, you’ll need to stick to bottled water, which is cheap and available everywhere. Your hotel or host will be able to tell you for sure.
What to know How to Plan or Save for a Trip? Here are our best:
Just a Quick Word on Safety
The Czech Republic is a very safe country, so you can relax. The main thing, like in any big European city, is to watch out for pickpockets in super-crowded areas (looking at you, Charles Bridge). Just keep your bag zipped and be aware of what’s going on around you. Also, avoid those shady money-changing booths with the “0% commission” signs. It’s a trap! Their rates are awful. Use a proper bank ATM instead.
Slow Down and Soak It In
If I could give you just one tip, it would be this: don’t over-schedule your days. The best memories I have are from the moments I wasn’t rushing. Sitting at a quiet café, stumbling upon a hidden garden, or just watching the trams go by from a park bench. That’s where you’ll find the real heart of Czechia.
Well, there you go, my heartfelt collection of tips and treasures from my deep love for Greece. It’s the kind of place that sneaks into your soul and stays there. You might visit for those breathtaking beaches, but you’ll end up head over heels for the warm, welcoming people, the incredibly fresh flavors, and that one-of-a-kind glow that lights up every moment. You simply can’t beat a little bit of Greece 🌍 ✨
What Are Your Thoughts?
Have you travelled to Greece before? What’s the one piece of advice you’d give a first-timer? Let’s help each other out! 👇🗣️
Adventure on,
The Travel Tinker Crew 🌍✨
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Your Questions, Answered (FAQs)
What is the best Greek island for a first-timer?
This is a tough one! For that classic, blue-and-white postcard experience, Santorini is iconic. For a great all-rounder with amazing beaches, history, and nightlife, I’d recommend Naxos or Paros. They offer a perfect blend of everything without being as overwhelming as Mykonos.
How many days are enough for a first trip to Greece?
I would suggest a minimum of 10 days for a first trip. This gives you enough time to spend 2-3 days exploring the history in Athens and then 7-8 days relaxing, exploring, and soaking up the sun on one or two islands without feeling rushed.
Is Greece expensive for tourists?
It can be, but it doesn’t have to be. Your budget will stretch much further if you travel in the shoulder season, eat at local tavernas instead of fancy waterfront restaurants, and choose less famous islands. Overall, it’s generally more affordable than many other popular Western European destinations.
Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to rent a car?
Yes, it is highly recommended. While some rental companies might not ask for it, Greek law requires non-EU drivers to have an IDP alongside their standard licence. It’s cheap and easy to get from the Post Office in the UK before you go, and it can save you a lot of hassle.
Can I use my credit card everywhere in Greece?
No, you can’t. While major hotels, restaurants in tourist hubs, and large supermarkets will accept cards, you absolutely need cash. Small family-run shops, bakeries, markets, many tavernas, and taxis are often cash-only.
Travel Planning Resources
Ready to book your next trip? These trusted resources have been personally vetted to ensure a smooth travel experience.
Book Your Flights: Kick off your travel planning by finding the best flight deals on Trip.com. Our years of experience with them confirm they offer the most competitive prices.
Book Your Hotel: For the best hotel rates, use Booking.com . For the best and safest hostels, HostelWorld.com is your go-to resource.
Find Apartment Rentals: For affordable apartment rentals, check out VRBO. They consistently offer the best prices.
Car Rentals: For affordable car rentals, check out RentalCars.com. They offer the best cars, mostly brand new.
Travel Insurance: Never travel without insurance. Here are our top recommendations:
- EKTA for Travel Insurance for all areas!
- Use AirHelp for compensation claims against flight delays etc.
Book Your Activities: Discover walking tours, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more on Get Your Guide. They have a vast selection of activities to enhance your trip. There is also Tiqets.com for instant mobile tickets.
Book The Best Trains: Use Trainline to find the most affordable trains or Rail Europe for rail passes!
Need More Help Planning Your Trip? Visit our Resources Page to see all the companies we trust and use for our travels.
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Nick Harvey
Hi, I am Nick! Thank you for reading! The Travel Tinker is a resource designed to help you navigate the beauty of travel! Tinkering your plans as you browse!
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