Greece is indisputably a wonderful travel destination, whether you are historically interested, like the good life on the beach, and/or the great food. But if you want a holiday as perfect as your pictures of the clear blue water, you should read on for some insider tips from fellow travellers for a safe and comfortable vacation.
Be aware of the heat – it’s seriously hot
Greece gets very hot during the summer. Especially July and August. It sounds nice to wake up slowly and take a trip to some of the interesting ancient ruins in the middle of the day. But be aware and even cautious. Temperatures often reach 35+ degrees Celsius, and these places usually don’t offer any cooling shade. A tip could be to plan on sightseeing in the morning or late afternoon and do as the locals do in the middle of the day: find a shadow, have a cold drink, and relax. And remember to drink even more water than you think you need, and of course to use sunscreen.
Traffic and driving
If you plan on doing a car rental in Greece, you should be aware that driving in Greece can be different from what you are used to. Many local drivers go faster than you would find comfortable on the narrow roads, and they are not afraid of overtaking without using the turn signal. There are a lot of scooters that zig-zag between cars in the cities. And speaking of cities. It is not always easy to find parking, and the roads in the mountains and little villages are very narrow, so you would probably find it better to rent a compact car than a big one.
You can book a car online either on the rental car company websites or on one of the booking portals.
Cash is still relevant
In Greece, you pay with Euros, and in most shops and restaurants, you can pay with a credit card. But in small tavernas and kiosks, they might tell you ‘cash only’. This is not a trick, and you should be prepared by having a little cash with you since it will save you some trouble on your trip.
Watch out for pickpockets – like always
Greece is overall a very safe country to travel to, but like in any other city or place with a lot of tourists, you should keep an eye on your belongings. Especially in crowded areas like the metro in Athens and at the big sights. Keep your bag in front of you and don’t keep all your cash and credit cards in one place. If you are a group, you could distribute the cash among yourselves. The problem with pickpockets is not bigger in Greece than in other touristy cities and areas. Just use your common sense, be aware of your surroundings, and keep calm. Which is actually advice that covers most of the travel tips. Follow the charmingly mellow rhythm in Greece and you will have a great experience.