Greek Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors to Greece

Greece stands as the cradle of European civilization, renowned for its plethora of historical sites. Yet, it's also a vibrant nation with lush islands that sparkle like precious gems, perpetually drawing travelers for unforgettable explorations. However, navigating a new country can be daunting, especially for first-timers. Here are the ultimate travel tips, covering everything you need to know for your first Greek vacation.

Recheck Your Visa Requirements for Entry

When planning your initial journey to Greece, it's advisable to double-check the visa requirements for preparation.

As a party to the Schengen Agreement, a Schengen visa application is usually required for entry into Greece. However, citizens from EU countries, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and Australia, with passports valid for at least 6 months, can typically enjoy visa-free travel for up to 90 days.

Note: From 2025, the new ETIAS electronic travel authorization will be mandatory for third-country nationals wishing to enter Greece and other Schengen countries, which is valid for 3 years.

Pick the Ideal Time for Your Greek Vacation

Selecting the ideal departure time for your first trip to Greece might pose a challenge, given its reputation as a year-round tourist destination, with each season offering its distinct charms and experiences. Let your interest and preference be the key.

For a classic Greek vacation, it is a good idea to relish the mild weather of the shoulder seasons (April to June or September to October). Characterized by warmth, sunshine, and a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for a detailed visit to ancient sites and a leisurely journey to the verdant islands and hills.

If you're inclined towards a summer getaway focused on beaches and island hopping, the peak season is your best bet. Bask in the brilliant sunlight at the packed beaches or board ferry journeys across the sparkling Aegean Sea, discovering one new island after another.

Exploring the opportunity to ski down Mt. Olympus? The winter months from December to March are ideal, offering a gentle snowfall experience. Despite being Greece's low season, you'll appreciate the deserted streets and empty lines of attractions, along with the affordable prices for accommodations and tickets.

How Many Days to Spend in Greece

For your first Greek vacation, a 7-day itinerary offers a glimpse of Greece's iconic highlights, encompassing the vibrant city of Athens and perhaps a visit to one or two islands such as Santorini and Mykonos.

Allocate 2 to 3 days per destination, particularly for mainland cities teeming with historical sites and museums, allowing ample time to delve into Greece's rich history and culture. If you lean towards nature-centric experiences like coastal vistas and scenic landscapes, consider extending your island-hopping adventure or lengthening your itinerary to 10 or 14 days to include additional destinations like Meteora, Paros, or Crete for a diverse array of experiences.

Best Places for First-Time Visitors

Athens

Athens, the capital of Greece and possibly your first stop, is brimming with countless ancient sites that narrate the history of Greece and Rome. Here, you'll discover iconic landmarks like the Acropolis, from which the city derives its name, and the Panathenaic Stadium, which hosted the first modern Olympics, among others awaiting your exploration.

Santorini

You may have seen those poetic photographs of Santorini, capturing the poetic scenery of Oia and Fira, with beautiful blue and white houses perched on the cliffs. This enchanting island boasts a stunning caldera, worth an exciting catamaran cruise with the golden sunset, making this destination one of the most famous honeymoon islands for a truly romantic getaway.

Mykonos

Famous for its coastal windmills, Mykonos offers a tranquil daytime experience with visits to Little Venice and neighboring Delos to unravel legends and mysteries. After sunset, however, the island transforms into a vibrant party center, alive with music, drinks and lights, epitomizing the idea of offering two distinct experiences in one destination.

Windmills of Mykonos

An Easy Packing List for First-Timers in Greece

Suitable Shoes

Sturdy footwear is essential for exploring Greece, as you'll encounter numerous stairs, winding paths, and cobblestone streets. Opt for comfortable shoes that offer full coverage to protect your feet while exploring historic sites and embarking on island adventures.

A Coat or Shawl

Don't forget to pack a coat or shawl for those memorable photo opportunities, and to stay cozy during the morning and evening chill. Consider bringing along a stylish outfit for visiting the delicate churches, museums, and other cultural or religious attractions.

Power Plug Adapter

For your first-time journey in Greece, you'll find that type F sockets and type F and type C power plugs are the norm in Greece, so be sure to pack a power plug adapter or pick one up upon arrival. They're readily available at airports and tourist shops.

Mosquirepellent

Don't let mosquito and insect bites spoil your holiday in Greece, as the abundant water and lush greenery attract them, especially during the warmer summer days. Always carry mosquito repellent with you to keep them at bay during your outdoor activities.

Have Cash When You Arrive

For a more convenient payment experience on your first visit to Greece, it is advisable to have some cash with you. While cards may not universally accepted on most islands or in most shops, the euro is widely used for daily transactions.

ATMs and cash machines are easily accessible at airports, but exchange rates in Greece might be less favorable. Additionally, the seasonal Euronet ATMs in most tourist areas, typically open from April to October, may not always be operational during your visit, particularly in the low season.

Tipping Advice in Greece

Tipping is less common in Greece, but it's generally appreciated as a gesture of gratitude for good service. In restaurants, it would be nice to round up the bill and leave the change for your waiter; or leave 1 or 2 euros on the table before you leave. For your drivers, tourist guides, or hotel services, a tip of 5-15% of the total price is customary and welcomed.

Tourist Tax for Your Accommodation

To support natural disaster relief efforts, visitors to Greece are required to pay a tax on their accommodations. This tax varies from 50 cents to 4 euros per night depending on the location and type of room, which may increase your hotel expenses slightly.

Flight or Ferry, Which One to Take

Greece boasts a convenient transportation network, ensuring a comfortable journey with options like flights and ferries for an exciting island-hopping adventure.

To kick off swiftly or reach one or two further islands, direct flights from Athens to Santorini, Mykonos, and other major islands with international airports are available. However, during Greece's low season, flight options may be limited due to seasonal winds and waves. As most flights depart from Athens, it's common to fly in and out of Athens if you have a lot of islands on your itinerary.

Given Greece's multitude of islands, opting for a quick ferry ride can often be more efficient than transiting through Athens, especially for those who prefer to hop on the islands and oceans. While transferring from one island to another may take some time, it's helpful to have items on hand to pass the time. Also, make sure your first journey has some seasickness medication with you, regardless of whether it is during the windy season or not.

Port of Piraeus

Check the Public Holiday

Orthodox Easter, Epiphany, and Ohi Day, among other holidays in Greece, may lead to closures in shops and businesses. Additionally, Sundays, considered public holidays, see the closure of main supermarkets and often chemists over the weekend. While tourist attractions typically remain open during the summer season, some may reduce their opening hours during the off-season.

Try Tap Water in the Mainland

The tap water in mainland cities like Athens might have a slightly brackish taste but is safe to drink, allowing you to refill your water bottles during city sightseeing. However, it's best to avoid tap water in island destinations and opt for bottled water instead.

Put Toilet Paper in the Bin

In Greece, it's customary to dispose of toilet paper in the bin rather than flushing it down the toilet. Due to the ancient infrastructure, especially on some islands, the plumbing pipes are often narrow and unable to accommodate large amounts of paper. Thus, using the small bin provided is essential to prevent potential plumbing issues.

Plan Your First-Time Greek Vacation With Odynovo

Are you planning your first trip to Greece and feeling a bit unsure? Whether you need more detailed information to fine-tune your plans or sample itineraries to spark your inspiration, let Odynovo assist you in crafting a worry-free journey through this captivating land of Greece.