Hello friends from the other side of the planet!
So, you have decided to travel to Southern Europe? Great! But are you fully prepared for what you are going to encounter when visiting Greece for the first time? No need to answer that. I already know… that’s why I have prepared this guide with funny and useful tips to save you from those “aha” or weird moments.
By the way, if your first stop is the capital, make sure to read these essential Athens travel tips for first-timers to make your stay even smoother!
Unless you want them… Then stop reading because I’m going to give you spoilers, and one of them can literally save your life.
If you’re ready, let’s get started!
The Greek Toilet Paper Rule
One of the weirdest things you will see is signs warning you not to flush toilet paper down the drain. You will see them in hotels, bars, restaurants and cafes. They are literally everywhere. So, what do we do? We have a small bin and throw all paper and litter there.
This happens because the sewer system in Greece is old and the pipes are well…small. So, if you want to avoid any…clogging and inconvenience, just follow this instruction.
Eating Out When Visiting Greece: Dinner Times
Imagine this. You are in Greece and you walk in a taverna for dinner only to find out that it is completely empty. You start wondering if all the incredible reviews you read online are fake and then you look at the time. It’s 7:00 pm. Riddle solved. No one eats dinner at 7 in the evening in Greece. Our usual time for dinner is 9-10 pm. It’s hot, and at 7 pm we are still at the beach.
When in Greece, just do as the Greeks do. Have a late dinner and enjoy your meal. Do not rush it. Dining out is a ritual here. It’s an opportunity to gather, talk, and enjoy the food and drink. We don’t just eat dinner to satisfy our hunger, but also to feed our souls.
If you want to know what to try first, check out my 10 best Greek foods and how to order them to eat like a local!
Greek Coffee Culture Explained
As with dining out, coffee culture follows the same philosophy in Greece. You’ll see people enjoying their coffee for 2-3 hours. “Let’s meet for a coffee” is a very common phrase around here. If you want to blend in, make sure to read my guide on how to order coffee in Greece the local way before you hit the cafes.
Coffee for us is an opportunity to meet and spend time with our loved ones. It can work as a form of psychotherapy, too.
So, for once, try to slow down and enjoy your coffee. See it as an opportunity to discuss your trip or reflect while looking at the sea. There are so many cafeterias all around Greece that you can find the perfect spot with beautiful scenery.
Tipping in Greece: What Are the Rules?
Tipping is not obligatory in Greece. I repeat, tipping is not obligatory.
While it will be much appreciated, you don’t need to do it if you don’t want to.
Where do I usually tip? In cafes, restaurants, for deliveries, and to taxi drivers. But the amount is small. Normally 1-3 euros for bills between 10-20 euros. If I go out with my friends to a taverna and the bill is more than 100 euros, we are going to leave around 10 euros as a tip.
Let’s clear something up though, because I see a lot of confusion on social media about it. In some restaurants, when you pay with a card, they ask if you want to leave a tip. They ask. It’s not obligatory and it’s usually just part of the POS system. So, you do as you please. The best tactic is to have some change to leave on the table, just to be 100% sure that the tip will go to the waiter and not the shop.
Tap Water in Greece: Is It Safe?
Greece in many places, especially big cities, has excellent tap water. Do not be afraid to drink it. I live in Athens and I drink tap water every day. But not all areas have good tap water. So, once you arrive at a place just ask if the water is safe to drink.
And a useful tip:
Many restaurants will bring you a bottle of water when you sit down, without you having asked for it. You can refuse and ask for tap water instead, if you’re in an area where it is drinkable.
Surviving the Summer Heat When Visiting Greece
The summer sun can be brutal and, if you’re not used to it, can cause some problems. Always wear sunscreen, not only at the beach but also for walks during the morning. Facial sunscreen is vital, and it’s a good idea to apply it to all parts of your body that will be exposed to the sun. And don’t forget to always have water with you.
And by any means, do not take long walks or exercise during in the midday sun. I know it can be tempting. Υou are on a gorgeous Greek island and you want to explore.
But seriously, the Greek heat is no joke. Every summer, we read tragic news about tourists who underestimated the sun and lost their lives while hiking alone in the midday heat.
Don’t be one of them. Leave your explorations for very early in the morning or right around sunset when the weather cools down. Enjoy your day at the beach instead with an iced coffee in hand, of course!
How Greek Pharmacies Work
You are only human, and even on holidays, we can get a headache, for instance. If you don’t have painkillers with you, don’t panic. Just go to a pharmacy and ask. No prescription is needed. In fact, there is a long list of medications that you can buy without a prescription when visiting Greece. So, whatever you might need, just ask the pharmacist if you can get it over the counter.
Why Greek Tomatoes Taste So Different
When you are in Greece, you will discover that fruits and vegetables taste different. They are full of flavor. Yes, it’s the Mediterranean climate, baby! You need to take advantage of that and taste as much as you can when visiting Greece !
Especially the tomatoes! Do not leave Greece without tasting them. You will discover new levels of happiness. Now that I think about it, that’s probably why the Greek salad (choriatiki) is so popular. It is so simple to make, yet full of flavor.
All the Cats You’ll See When Visiting Greece
Well, I’m gonna tell you a secret.
Cats rule Greece and we obey them.
You will see them everywhere. On the streets, in restaurants, and even on your head while you sleep. I’m kidding about the last part.
If you are in a restaurant and give food to a cat, it will be yours forever. It will stare into your eyes eternally until you give it more. Well, do as you please. It’s up to you.
Conclusion: Ready for Your First Trip to Greece?
I hope these quick tips save you from some awkward moments and help you enjoy your trip to the fullest!
Now, I want to hear from you. If you’ve already been here, what did you find the absolute weirdest when visiting Greece for the first time? Or if you’re planning your trip, which of these rules shocked you the most?
Drop a comment below and let me know. I might even add your experience to the list!
Enjoy your trip and take care!
