Greece Vacations

The sun shines warmly in Greece and the people who live there seem to embody this warmth with each other; it isn’t odd to find friends embracing, linking arms and walking the streets, chatting affectionately. Generous hosts and intensely patriotic about their impressive cultural heritage, the Greeks pride themselves on their filotimo (dignity and honour) and their filoxenia (hospitality). Family life is hugely important and great respect and attention is paid to elderly family members.  

Predominantly Greek Orthodox, the church is part of the cadence of daily life, with locals entering churches to light candles and seek ethereal support from saints who represent their dilemmas. While many monasteries and churches have shawls and long pants to loan tourists, it is ideal to dress with shoulders and legs covered out of respect when visiting.   

Theatre, music, and dance have been a central part of the social lives of Greeks since Hellenism and traditional Greek dances, plays, and music, reminiscent of the marble sculptures holding lutes and harps, or dancing in a circle, arms linked, are still performed and every region has their own styles and traditions. Modern music and dance clubs, especially in Athens and on the island of Mykonos, showcase how the Greeks of today still know how to party like the Ancients.  

Politics and social issues are hotly debated among Greeks but their passion for a good argument is based purely on pleasure, as friendliness and curiosity, a lust for life, and knowledge is all part of the wonderful Greek psyche.  

What is the visiting etiquette in Greece?

The history of hospitality in Greece dates back to Ancient Greece, where being a philoxenia, or a friend to a stranger was supposedly expected, in order to avoid the wrath of the king of all gods, Zeus. Today, hospitality continues to rule modern Greek life as a source of pride. Greeks willingly open their homes to guests, and on all occasions are ready to spend time with family and friends, and celebrate life.

Upon meeting new acquaintances, shaking hands, smiling, and making eye contact is sufficient. A customary kiss (or two!) on the cheek is a greeting reserved for family and friends. When visiting someone’s home, bringing a small gift is customary. Be prepared to raise a glass and toast to yamas (our health) before a meal. This expression emphasizes connection and friendship, celebrating the art of living. Greeks take pleasure in sharing a meal, and they won’t hesitate to keep serving you extra servings as an expression of generosity.

What is Greece best known for?

Stunning historic sites and monuments tied to Ancient Greek mythology capture the delight of travellers, whether seeking an up close look at Zeus’ Mount Olympus or the Parthenon built in honour of goddess Athena. Mythology continues to be relevant in modern day Greece, as its tales birthed democracy, shaped beliefs, and influenced culture. 

The Cyclades Islands with their iconic whitewashed houses, set above the glistening Aegean Sea are on the bucket list of many globetrotters. It can be hard to decide which one to visit, as each has their own personality, but rest assured you’ll consistently find enchanting streets to wander, great beaches, and unique cultural experiences.

What are some Greek traditions?

With roots in Ancient Greece, lively Greek dancing, also known as horos, can be found at nearly every celebration, also at restaurants and social gatherings. There are thousands of Greek dances, but one of the most famous ones is the Syrtaki. You will dance to traditional Greek music that starts off slow, and gets faster, and faster, while in a circle linking arms with one another. Don’t hesitate to join in, your willingness to participate will be admired!

In Greece, coffee is a tradition and part of culture. The coffee is traditionally prepared in a briki, and known to be thick with a strong bold flavour. Meeting up at a coffee shop will involve sitting with friends and chatting for hours.

The largest national celebrations happen during Easter week, filled with rich traditions that reflect Greece’s cultural and religious identity. Families will travel to their home villages to spend time together and celebrate with carnivals, big feasts, and at church.

What are Greek people like socially?

It's a priority for Greeks to enjoy life and spend lots of time with family, and friends. Hospitality and socializing is ingrained in their lives. Greeks are often warm, and willing to chat or answer the questions of travellers. After asking a quick question of a local, you may receive even more advice about where to visit, explore, or eat!

Greeks are known for their lively communication, incorporating amplified body language and tone. Don’t be surprised if you encounter those speaking with hands, standing close, patting backs, and even touching arms. Spirited conversations can be surprisingly loud, but they are not a sign of disagreement, just an attempt to passionately convey emotion and thoughts. Greeks enjoy friendly and curious dialogue, as there is a genuine interest in the well-being of each other. Don’t be surprised if by the end of an evening the farewell is lengthy, brimming with well wishes, and caring embraces.

What language does Greece speak?

Greek is the language of the land and although English is often spoken by the younger generation as Greeks typically start learning English in elementary school. you will find many locals that speak English, especially in areas frequented by travellers. Italian, French, and German are also commonly understood. A friendly kalimera (good morning) or efcharistó (thank you) will go a long way as Greeks take deep pride in their language and appreciate visitors who attempt to speak it.

Spring and fall are the ideal times to visit Greece. The cobwebs are brushed off in time for Orthodox Easter (Pascha) when the first visitors start to arrive. Weather conditions between Easter and mid-June are sublime; pleasantly warm in most places, the beaches and ancient sites are relatively uncrowded and public transport operates close to full schedules while accommodation is less expensive and easier to find. The high season peters out in September and conditions are ideal once more until the end of October. By November the endless blue skies of summer have vanished with November to February being the wettest months. It can get surprisingly cold, and snow is known to fall on the mainland and in the mountains of Evia and Crete. But the sun god of lore is never far away in this country, and there are also plenty of sunny days. Visitors who prefer the calm that reigns at this time of year may be in luck if Helios decides to shine down on you.

When is Greece’s peak tourist season?

Mid-June to the end of August is the high season and it’s party time on the islands with everything in full swing. Many European travellers seek to use their vacation time enjoying summer sun and beach.

Although busy and very hot in July and August; the temperatures soaring to 40°C (100°F) in the shade just about anywhere in the country, the beaches are packed, the ancient cities are swarming with tour groups, fun is still to be had by the water, where diving and swimming over ruins is a sublime experience. If planning to visit Greece in the summer, do make most bookings in advance, including accommodation and ferry tickets, as popular times can become booked up.

Expect the week around Orthodox Easter to be very busy due to Greeks travelling to visit family. Elaborate celebrations are abundant during this holiday. However, museums will be closed.

Which is the most affordable time to visit Greece?

Winter is the most affordable time to visit, with chilly windy days and many hotels shutting down, particularly on the islands, with some of the smaller islands closing completely as islanders head off to homes in Athens for a few months. Smaller hotels shut their doors from the end of November until the beginning of April, along with seasonal cafés and restaurants; bus and ferry services are either drastically reduced or simply cancelled.

That said, some travellers specifically seek out the winter to explore museums and historical sites such as Delphi and Meteora, as they are much less crowded. Entrance fees at state run museums and ancient ruin sites see their rates significantly reduced between November 1 and March 30. You will find both airfare and accommodation to be most affordable from December to March. Also keep in mind, if you do visit in the winter you can even get in a ski weekend, as there is good snowfall just two hours north of Athens!

How long should I plan to visit Greece?

If you have limited time, you can absolutely get a taste of Greece during a one week trip. Plan to spend 3 days in Athens, where you can experience the famed Acropolis ruins from the 5th century B.C. Continue your Greece vacation on the island of Crete, with historical treasures, coastal cliffs and pristine beaches.

Ideally, visiting Greece for 12-14 days will allow you to visit Athens, plus a couple more islands. Enjoy a stop in Mykonos for the whitewashed houses dotting the cliffs towering over the ocean. Then, while in Santorini you can cruise over to the Nea Kameni volcano island and walk across the black rock lava fields. 

When is the ideal time to visit Greece?

Shoulder months including April, May, September, and October are ideal for being less busy, though you can still relish in warm weather. You can spend time sitting outside at cafes or wandering shops on the cobblestone streets of Plaka in Athens. In particular, heading to the southern part of the Aegean Sea to visit the Dodecanese Islands and Crete you will find the weather pleasant, the sea is thoroughly warm and thinned out crowds.

How much does a vacation to Greece cost?

A trip to Greece can vary depending on the style of the trip, duration, destinations, and level of accommodation. Typically, for a one-week vacation to Greece, an individual traveller should budget at least $3,000, not including international airfare. Though Greece is not as discounted as it used to be, you can still make your euro stretch further with some planning and forethought.

How to plan a Greece vacation?

The best way to explore Greece is on a tailor-made vacation that caters to your individual interests. Do you want to visit the city of Zeus’ wisest daughter, Athena, or go swimming at Kythira Island where Aphrodite rose from the sea? Everyone has their own style of travel. Discover tailor-made travel in Greece with the help of a Goway Destination Specialist.

What are the best places to visit in Greece?

The city of Athens continues to captivate, as the centre of art, and history dating back to the Middle Neolithic era. Visiting the Acropolis hill home of the Parthenon which rises 450 ft (150 m) above Athens is a must-see for travellers. It can be difficult to choose which islands to visit, with more than 70 inhabited beautiful islands. It is important to note that larger islands have airports, while some smaller ones are only accessible by ferries. Santorini is a volcanic island, known for its white-washed homes perched along the rugged black earth cliffside. Mykonos island is sought after for its tangled maze-like streets lined with boutiques, galleries, cafes, and white-washed houses with colourful doorways. Many travellers enjoy the vibrant nightlife and golden sand beaches. Crete is the largest island in Greece and enjoys generally extended warmer weather because of its South location.

Is Greece easy to travel through?

In Athens, Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (AFT) is the main airport, serving frequent direct flights from Canada and the United States daily. Other parts of Greece are accessible through regional flights which also depart from AFT. Once in Greece, public buses, tour buses, and rental cars are popular options for travelling the mainland, as the Greek train network is limited. Greece is known for its easy and extensive ferry system, offering hundreds of ferries with varying speeds, and sizes, connecting the islands and mainland. 

Do they speak English in Greece?

The official language in Greece is Greek, with over 50% of the population also speaking English. You will find that many Greeks you encounter when travelling in Greece speak English, especially in areas frequented by tourists. 

How welcoming Is Greece to LGBTQ+ travellers?

Greece has not always been very LGBTQ+ friendly, with its population being predominantly Greek Orthodox. Legal progress has recently been made, with Greece being the first Christian Orthodox country to legalize same-sex marriage as of February 2024. Athens and Mykonos in particular are known for being more welcoming, with venues and bars exclusive for the LGBTQ+ community.

What currency does Greece use?

Greece is a member of the European Union and uses the Euro (EUR) as its official form of currency. On average $1 USD is worth $.90 EUR, but exchange rates are always fluctuating, so check the latest rates before travelling. While credit cards are increasingly accepted, having cash on hand is especially important for smaller islands and towns. 

Do I need to tip in Greece?

Tipping is not mandatory in Greece, though it is generally expected and considered an expression of gratitude for good service. While dining, a tip between 5-10% of the total bill is customary. Other services such as hotel luggage assistance, taxis, and tour guides can be tipped modestly.

Wines, olive oils, and other locally produced foods as well as the bounty from the surrounding seas makes dining anywhere in Greece a potentially surreal experience. Greeks themselves enjoy a great meal out with friends and family and large groups laughing and enjoying life out on the town take place regardless of socioeconomic status. Greek cuisine is the foundation of hospitality in Greece.
Although breakfast for many Greeks is a simple affair; a cigarette and a black coffee is often the diet of choice, beautiful yogurts (yaourti) made from sheep’s milk paired with local honey and walnuts is a filling, healthy and decadent way to start a full day of sightseeing. Although long, languorous lunches are common in Greece, if you are short on time, a filling meat gyro on pita bread with vegetables and garlicky tzatziki hits the spot.

Wine or krasi in Greece predates the written record with the god of wine, Dionysus, celebrating fermented grapes before the Bronze Age. Long, hot and dry days lead to swollen juicy grapes such as Cabernets, Chardonnays, and ancient Greek varietals: plumy Agiorgitiko and spicy Moschofilero, which pair very well with food or can be sipped on as the sun sets over the sea or a mystifying ancient temple.

What is Greece’s traditional cuisine?

Full of ritual and tradition, Greek cuisine varies by region and changes with the season. Food and quality are almost an obsession within Greece, with great attention to detail. Greece is renowned for its production of olive oil, and salty feta cheese. Recipes have been passed down through generations, and hearty dishes such as moussaka (layered ground beef, eggplant, potatoes and a rich bechamel sauce) and dolmadakia (beef or lamb and rice stuffed into grape leaves), are proudly prepared. Grilled foods or oras, baked dishes, stuffed vegetables called yemista, are staples of Greek cuisine. Desserts are syrupy sweet and often are served with a strong black coffee or a glass of ouzo cut with water, the most popular spirit of the country.

In Greece, street food is beloved. Try out a gyro or souvlaki wrap while wandering the streets of Athens. In preparing gyro, layers of seasoned meat get stacked up on a vertical rotisserie, then a large knife thinly slices the cooked meat off the stack. For souvlaki, marinated meat is threaded on a skewer and cooked over charcoal. The meat, vegetables and tzatziki are then wrapped into a warm pita bread. If you are vegetarian, they can also be made with a traditional halloumi cheese or falafel. Traditionally used as a dip or sauce, tzatziki is plain yogurt mixed with strained cucumber pieces, olive oil, garlic and red wine vinegar combined with dill. Try traditional Greek street snack foods including koulouri (chewy bread rings covered in sesame seeds), and spanakopita (spinach and feta cheese inside a flaky pastry).

What is the dining etiquette in Greece?

When arriving at a casual Greek taverna for a lunch or dinner meal, don’t expect to be greeted by a host, as seating yourself is typically. Use of a host and assigned seating is reserved for high-end restaurants. Similar to other parts of Europe, enjoying dinner late in the evening is the norm. Enjoy the water and bread served initially at the table, as there is usually a small cover charge for sitting at the table. Greeks will drizzle olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and enjoy it informally before dishes of food arrive. Otherwise you can start a meal with some appetizer, mezze, dishes such as hummus, falafel, or calamari.

It is common for menus to be designed to share large plates of food, with them put in the centre of the table for everyone to enjoy. Be sure to start eating as soon as the food arrives, as it often comes out at different times. Pass around the shared dishes for everyone to help themselves, instead of reaching over people.

What is drinking etiquette in Greece?

For Greeks, drinking is a communal activity, socializing late into the evening. Beyond consumption, the Greeks enjoy the camaraderie and each other’s company. Historically drinking was a sacred ritual, with Greeks pouring wine for the gods. Before taking a sip of a drink, the Greek will declare, yiamas, which means to our health, with a clink of each other's glasses.

Wine and meals go hand in hand in Greece. Greek wine has evolved over the years, and will likely be an unexpected surprise should you choose to indulge. A specialty alcohol originating in Greece is ouzo, flavored with anise, it has a distinct licorice aroma. Don’t be surprised if your server brings by a small shot of alcohol, likely tsipouro, along with the bill for toast.

Do keep in mind Greek liquors are often quite strong and high in alcohol content. Be careful to drink within reason, as public intoxication is frowned upon.

Does Greece cater to dietary restrictions?

Many restaurants will be willing to discuss any dietary restrictions, but language can be a barrier. Travel to Greece with translated food cards clearly indicating to staff what dietary restrictions you have. Consider dining earlier in the evening and avoiding the rush to allow for more time to communicate with staff regarding any dietary restrictions.

Gluten-free and vegetarian options are available in Greece, with many dishes composed of simple, fresh ingredients such as the ubiquitous Greek salad. Greece is generally not as familiar with gluten-free dining requirements, so it's helpful to do some research before traveling on dishes that are traditionally gluten-free. Finding a Halal meal option is easiest in the cities of Athens and Thessaloniki, and on the islands of Crete and Rhodes.

As a part of the EU, Greece follows pre-packaged food laws in grocery stores, where they are required to list any common allergen ingredients. This can be helpful when looking for safe, on the go snacks.

What do meals typically cost in Greece?

Overall, there is a great variety of food options at every price point in Greece. If grabbing a quick lunch on the go at a street food cart, expect to pay about $10. Smaller items such as spanakopita or a koulouri will be priced around $5.

When eating out at a casual taverna in cities such as Athens or Thessaloniki, meal prices are very reasonable. If sharing several plates of food at dinner or lunch, you can expect the cost to come out to about $20 per person. There are many upscale fine dining restaurants, where a multi course meal will typically be closer to $75 per person. Do expect pricing for meals on popular islands, such as Santorini, to be more expensive especially during the summer. Lunch will be closer to $35 per person, and expect dinner to come in around $50 per person. Prices for wine and other beverages are typically reasonable.