Greece Travel Tips

Consider pre-loading a travel card like Revolut or Wise with Euros before your trip. These cards often offer competitive exchange rates and lower withdrawal fees compared to using your regular debit card directly at ATMs.

For the sun-worshippers, summer (June to August) reigns supreme with average temperatures soaring from 27°C (80°F) to a sizzling 32°C (90°F). Expect days filled with sunshine and very little rain, perfect for soaking up the beautiful weather. Pack light, loose-fitting clothes made from natural fibers like cotton or linen. Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are essential companions for these sunny days. Pack sandals or comfy walking shoes for exploring, but don't forget a light sweater or jacket for evenings that can get a bit cooler.

Spring (April - May) and autumn (September - October) are Greece's shoulder seasons, offering pleasant weather with average temperatures ranging from a comfortable 18°C (64°F) to a delightful 25°C (77°F). While there's a chance of rain, it's generally minimal. Pack layers for these changeable times. Long-sleeved shirts, light sweaters, and comfortable pants will be your best friends. You might still want to pack some shorts and t-shirts for warmer days, and don't forget an umbrella or raincoat in case of a passing shower.

Winter (November - March) is the coolest and wettest time to visit Greece. Expect average temperatures to range from 10°C (50°F) to 15°C (59°F). There's a chance of snow in the mountains, but the coast usually avoids it. Pack warmer clothes like sweaters, jackets, and scarves to keep the chill at bay. Rain boots or waterproof shoes are a good idea for wetter days, and an umbrella is always a wise travel companion.

Here are some additional packing tips: If you plan on visiting religious sites, pack clothing that covers your shoulders and knees to be respectful. Beach destinations call for swimsuits, beach towels, and cover-ups. Comfortable walking shoes are a must, as Greece offers endless opportunities for exploring.

Greece uses a standard voltage of 230 volts AC (Alternating Current), which is higher than the voltage used in North America (110V AC). Check your device labels to avoid any accidents. Most electronic devices have a label indicating their voltage range (e.g., 100-240V). If your device falls within this range, you'll only need an adapter.

The standard plug type in Greece is Type F, which has two round prongs with ground. Travelers from countries with different plug types will need a plug adapter to use their electronic devices. Carrying a universal adapter is advisable to ensure compatibility with various socket types.

Most hotels and accommodations in these regions provide adapters or have sockets compatible with multiple plug types for the convenience of international travelers.

Additional Notes:

• While uncommon, power outages can happen occasionally. Consider carrying a portable charger for your phone or essential devices.
• Some remote Greek islands might have electricity systems that are less stable or rely on generators. Be prepared for potential fluctuations or limited power availability.

In hotels, tip 1-2 euros per bag for porters who help with your luggage and leave 1-2 euros per day for housekeeping staff. For exceptional service from the concierge, tipping 5-10 euros is appreciated.

For tour guides, tip around 5-10 euros per person for a half-day group tour, and 10-20 euros per person for a full-day tour. For private tours, tip 20-50 euros per day, depending on the length and quality of the tour. At hairdressers and spa services, a tip of 5-10% of the service cost is customary. You can leave the tip in cash or give it directly to the person who provided the service.

Emergency assistance in Greece is readily available to travelers in case of any unforeseen circumstances. Study your medical insurance to know what it covers abroad - what kind of cases, services and institutions you can count on. You can also count on consular services so it's best to familiarize yourself with the contact details of your country's embassy or consulate in Greece. Consular officers can assist with legal issues, medical emergencies, or emergency travel documents.

Tourist information centers are located in major cities and tourist areas across Greece. They offer assistance, maps, and information in multiple languages. Staff can help with emergencies or direct you to the appropriate resources.

+41 55 539 18 88

At street food stalls and souvlaki shops, a typical meal such as a souvlaki or gyros costs around €2-5. Casual taverns, where you can enjoy traditional Greek dishes, typically charge about €10-15 per person for a meal that includes a main course, a side dish, and a drink. Pastries and baked goods from bakeries, like spanakopita or baklava, usually cost between €1-3.

In mid-range restaurants, expect to pay around €15-25 per person for a full meal, including an appetizer, main course, and dessert. Seafood and specialty dishes can range from €20-35 per person, depending on the type of seafood and the restaurant's location. A glass of local wine costs about €3-5, while a bottle ranges from €10-20. Beers and soft drinks are typically priced at €2-4.

In high-end or fine dining restaurants, prices are significantly higher, with a multi-course meal ranging from €50-100 or more per person, depending on the restaurant and the menu. Premium wines and spirits can add a considerable amount to the bill, with bottles of wine ranging from €30-100 or more, and cocktails priced around €10-15 each.

Some restaurants may include a service charge in the bill, and if not, a tip of 5-10% is customary for good service. Additionally, in some restaurants, especially in tourist areas, you might encounter a small cover charge (usually €1-2 per person) for bread and water.

Looking for restaurant recommendations? Explore our guide to the best dining spots in Greece.

One of the most iconic dishes is moussaka, a classic Greek casserole that features layers of sautéed eggplant, seasoned ground meat (usually lamb or beef), and a rich béchamel sauce. Baked until golden and bubbly, moussaka offers a comforting and hearty meal that embodies the essence of Greek home cooking.

For those who enjoy savory pastries, spanakopita is a must-try. This savory pie is made with layers of crispy phyllo dough filled with a mixture of spinach, feta cheese, onions, and herbs. Spanakopita is often enjoyed as an appetizer, snack, or light meal, showcasing the delicious versatility of phyllo dough.

Another beloved dish is pastitsio, a baked pasta dish similar to lasagna. Pastitsio features layers of pasta, a spiced meat sauce (usually ground beef or lamb with tomatoes and cinnamon), and a creamy béchamel sauce. Baked until the top is golden and slightly crispy, pastitsio is a comforting dish perfect for family gatherings.

Dolmades are grape leaves stuffed with a mixture of rice, pine nuts, and herbs, sometimes including ground meat. These bite-sized delicacies are typically served cold with a side of yogurt or lemon wedges, offering a refreshing taste of Greek culinary tradition.

For lamb lovers, kleftiko is a traditional dish where the meat is marinated with garlic, lemon, and herbs, then slow-cooked until tender and succulent. Often wrapped in parchment paper or foil to retain its juices and flavor, kleftiko is a dish that celebrates the robust flavors of Greek cuisine.

Gemista are vegetables, usually tomatoes and bell peppers, stuffed with a mixture of rice, herbs, and sometimes ground meat. Baked until the vegetables are tender and the filling is flavorful, gemista is a dish that highlights the fresh produce of Greece.

Galaktoboureko is another phyllo-based dessert with a unique twist. Instead of nuts, this pastry is filled with a creamy, custard-like semolina filling. Baked until golden and crispy, it is then drenched in a fragrant syrup made with lemon and cinnamon, resulting in a dessert that is both creamy and crunchy.

Loukoumades are often referred to as Greek doughnuts. These small, round puffs of dough are deep-fried until golden and then drizzled with honey and sprinkled with cinnamon and crushed walnuts. Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, loukoumades are a popular treat during festivals and special occasions.

Melomakarona are traditional Greek honey cookies, often enjoyed during the Christmas season. These cookies are made with flour, olive oil, and orange juice, and flavored with cinnamon and cloves. After baking, they are soaked in honey syrup and sprinkled with chopped walnuts, creating a moist and fragrant cookie.

Kourabiedes are another popular holiday treat. These butter cookies are rich and crumbly, made with almonds and dusted generously with powdered sugar. They are especially popular during Christmas but are enjoyed year-round at celebrations and special gatherings.

One of the most iconic drinks in Greece is ouzo, a strong anise-flavored spirit that embodies the essence of Greek social life. Typically enjoyed as an aperitif, ouzo is often served with a splash of water, turning its clear liquid to a milky white, and accompanied by a variety of mezedes (small dishes). Drinking ouzo is more than just a way to quench thirst; it's a ritual that brings people together, fostering conversation and camaraderie.

Retsina, a traditional Greek wine, has been savored for over two thousand years. What sets retsina apart is its distinct flavor, derived from the addition of pine resin during the fermentation process. This unique taste is an acquired one, but those who embrace it find it deeply refreshing, particularly when paired with classic Greek dishes such as grilled fish or lamb.

Another beloved drink is tsipouro, a potent spirit similar to Italian grappa. Made from the remnants of the wine-making process, tsipouro can be enjoyed neat or flavored with anise. It's especially popular in northern Greece, where locals often distill their own batches, maintaining age-old family recipes. Tsipouro is typically served with an array of appetizers, making it a central element of Greek hospitality.

Greek wine, with its millennia-old heritage, has seen a renaissance in recent years. The country’s diverse climate and terrain produce a wide variety of wines, from the crisp Assyrtiko of Santorini to the rich Agiorgitiko of Nemea. Modern Greek winemakers are combining traditional methods with innovative techniques, gaining international acclaim for their unique and high-quality wines.

When it comes to non-alcoholic beverages, Greek coffee holds a special place in daily life. Prepared in a briki (small pot) and served in a demitasse cup, Greek coffee is thick and strong, with grounds settling at the bottom. It's an integral part of Greek culture, often enjoyed slowly with friends and family at kafeneia (coffeehouses). The preparation and drinking of Greek coffee is a leisurely ritual, reflecting the Greek philosophy of taking time to savor life’s simple pleasures.

Frappe, an iced coffee drink, has become a modern staple, especially during the hot summer months. Invented in Greece, this frothy concoction of instant coffee, water, sugar, and milk (optional) shaken to perfection, offers a refreshing caffeine kick and is a favorite among locals and tourists alike.

One of the most significant periods in the Greek calendar is Easter, known as Pascha. This deeply religious and culturally rich celebration is the most important event for Greek Orthodox Christians. Preparations begin during Holy Week, each day leading up to Easter Sunday holding special significance. On Holy Thursday, eggs are dyed red to symbolize the blood of Christ, and on Good Friday, solemn processions take place to commemorate the crucifixion. The climax of the celebration occurs on Holy Saturday night, when families gather at churches for the Resurrection service. At midnight, the priest announces, "Christos Anesti" (Christ is Risen), and the congregation responds, "Alithos Anesti" (Truly He is Risen). Fireworks light up the sky, and people share a meal featuring the traditional magiritsa soup. Easter Sunday is a day of feasting, with lamb roasted on a spit and a variety of delicious dishes served to family and friends.

Another significant celebration is the Carnival, or Apokries, which takes place before the beginning of Lent. This festive period is characterized by colorful parades, masquerade balls, and various street parties. People of all ages dress up in elaborate costumes and masks, embodying the spirit of revelry and fun. The climax of the Carnival is marked by the grand parade on the last Sunday before Lent, where floats and performers fill the streets with music and dance. The next day, known as Clean Monday or Kathara Deftera, signals the start of Lent, and families enjoy picnics featuring fasting foods like olives, bread, and seafood, often flying kites as part of the tradition.

Throughout the summer, many towns and villages across Greece host local festivals known as panigiria, which celebrate the feast days of patron saints. These gatherings are a vibrant mix of religious devotion and communal festivity. Church services are held in honor of the saints, followed by lively celebrations that include traditional music, dancing, and feasting. These events provide an opportunity for communities to come together, and they often attract visitors who are eager to experience authentic Greek hospitality.

One of the most unique Greek traditions is the celebration of Name Days, which are more important than birthdays for many Greeks. Each day of the year is dedicated to a Christian saint or martyr, and individuals named after that saint celebrate their Name Day with family and friends. It is customary to open one's home to guests, offering sweets, drinks, and sometimes a full meal. Name Day celebrations are an integral part of Greek culture, emphasizing the importance of personal connections and community bonds.

In addition to these religious and communal celebrations, Greece is known for its vibrant national holidays. Independence Day on March 25th commemorates the start of the War of Independence against the Ottoman Empire in 1821. The day is marked by parades, patriotic displays, and various cultural events. Another important holiday is Ohi Day on October 28th, which remembers Greece's refusal to allow Axis forces to occupy the country during World War II.