Traveling to Greece: What You Need to Know
Greece is a country renowned not only for its invaluable cultural heritage but also for its booming tourism industry. The unique combination of ancient charm, modern development, and breathtaking natural wonders makes this destination truly special. Here’s a detailed guide to help you prepare for your upcoming trip to Greece.
The Best Time to Visit Greece
Greece enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with warm weather year-round. Summers are typically hot and dry, while winters are wet in the south but very cold in the northern mountains. The best time for a beach vacation is between June and September, while spring and autumn are ideal for hiking and exploring Greece’s sunny streets. Depending on your preferences and schedule, you can explore Greece at any time of the year.
Transportation in Greece
- Subway: In Greece, a subway train passes every 4 minutes and operates from 5:30 AM to midnight.
- Bus: Buses are quite popular in Greece with numerous routes available. At the airport, buses and taxis are always ready to take you to central Athens.
- Taxi: Taxis are affordable and convenient, especially in Athens where they are readily available throughout the city.
Exploring Greek Cuisine
- Moussaka: One of the most famous dishes in Greece, Moussaka is available everywhere from fancy restaurants to street food stalls. Made with sliced eggplant, mashed potatoes, minced meat, and topped with a creamy béchamel sauce, it is baked to a golden brown, offering a unique flavor experience.
- Koulouri Bread: While walking around the large streets of Athens or Thessaloniki, you’ll see locals enjoying Koulouri, a round or ring-shaped bread topped with sesame seeds. You can try its sweet, mildly flavored goodness from street vendors or pair it with a cup of coffee in a local café.
- Baklava: This popular dessert isn’t just a Greek specialty, but also a common treat in Middle Eastern and Turkish cuisine. Each region in Greece has its own twist – central Greece prefers almonds, southern Greece favors pistachios, while walnuts are the favorite in the east.
Additional Cultural Etiquette and Tips
- Communication: Greeks are warm and hospitable. During first meetings, they usually shake hands firmly, smile, and maintain eye contact throughout the conversation. Close friends or family members will often embrace and kiss on both cheeks, while men may greet each other with a friendly pat on the shoulder.
- Gift-Giving: Greeks typically give gifts to family and friends on name days (their saint’s name day) and during Christmas. Gifts don’t have to be expensive, as high-value items might make the recipient feel uncomfortable. If you are invited to dinner at a Greek home, bringing a small gift like a bouquet of flowers, carefully wrapped, is a thoughtful gesture. Greeks often open gifts in front of the guest after receiving them.
- Dining Etiquette: If invited to someone’s home for dinner, it’s important to arrive on time, as being 30 minutes late is considered rude. Dress nicely to show respect for your hosts. After the meal, offering to help clean up is a courteous gesture that will be appreciated. When at someone’s home, complimenting their house is also a polite conversation topic.
Greece offers a wealth of experiences from its rich cultural traditions and delicious cuisine to the hospitality of its people.
