Breathtaking scenery. Fabulous dining. Historical and mythological sites that come to life before your eyes. And an expressive, joyous, and welcoming people. This is Greece – a true bucket list destination for many who can’t wait to explore the rich culture of this beautiful country.
If you’re thinking about a visit to gorgeous Greece, there are a few things you should keep in mind as you plan.
When to Travel – As with many destinations, travel during the peak summer season when school is out, will typically bring the highest crowds and prices. But when you visit Greece, you’ll also want to consider the weather and climate. During those summer months, the temperature is literally scorching, so in addition to the crowds and higher costs, you’ll also have the hottest weather – which can be tough when you want to, say, climb the Acropolis. And while the winter months have the benefit of lower crowds and prices, it’s also colder then – which isn’t ideal if you want to explore one of Greece’s fabulous beaches. However, if you can visit during the “shoulder season” (April -May and October-November), you’ll find that this is typically a fabulous time to visit Greece, with cooler but comfortable weather, fewer crowds, and better prices.
You’re on Greek Time – No, this is not the time zone that Greece is in, but rather, the healthy Mediterranean belief of most Greeks that most things can be put off until tomorrow, and nothing needs to be done in a hurry. So, while you may be used to punctuality and fast service, when in Greece, embrace Greek time and just “go with the flow” like the Greeks do!
Respect the Culture – While Greece is certainly a modern country, there are some cultural traditions that are important to know before you go. First, if you’ll be visiting any churches or monasteries (and you should!), do not show up in skimpy shorts or tops. Wear long pants or skirts below the knee, and have your shoulders covered as a sign of respect.
You may also want to be aware of some gestures that could be misunderstood or cause offence. First, don’t hold your hand up, palm out, and don’t make an OK sign by forming a circle with your thumb and forefinger – both are considered quite rude. Secondly, avoid nodding and shaking your head for “yes” and “no” as they may be misinterpreted. Instead, you’ll find that Greeks use a slight forward inclination of the head for yes, and a more vigorous backward nod for no. Or you can just learn how to say “yes” (ne) or “no” (ohi) in Greek.
The Best Way to See Everything – Unless you have a month (lucky you, if you do!), you won’t see everything that Greece has to offer. This is an incredible country and there’s a LOT to see and do, from its alluring islands to its fascinating mainland with mountains and beaches – and a whole lot of archaeological treasures pretty much everywhere. If you’re like most folks, you’re more likely to have a week or two to devote to your Greek vacation. So how to make the most of it?
Two of the most popular ways to see Greece are with a guided tour, or on a cruise. Both offer the chance to see much of the beautiful country, with multiple stops throughout to allow travelers to explore areas in depth. There are, of course, some differences between the two, other than how you travel. The benefit of a cruise is that you’ll basically unpack once and that’s it for the rest of the trip. Cruises will focus heavily on the islands of Greece but will also make port stops to allow passengers to visit major sites on the mainland. On the other hand, on a guided tour, you may visit more of the mainland as you travel from city to town, but this will allow more in-depth touring than the few hours at a port that you’ll have on a cruise. A guided tour can also include some of the Greek islands as well, either by traveling by ferry, or even adding a short cruise to the beginning or end of your tour. And of course, with a tour, you’ll have the benefit of an experienced guide who will provide background and experiences that you wouldn’t get if you did it on your own.
No matter how you visit, you’ll likely be enchanted by everything that Greece has to offer!
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